RWE, partners to take part in Norwegian floating wind tender

RWE AG (ETR:RWE) and two Norwegian partners plan to take part in the upcoming tender process for floating offshore wind energy in Norway, the German energy group said today.

RWE has signed a collaboration agreement with NTE, a renewable energy generator owned by 19 municipalities in Trondelag in central Norway, and Havfram, a subsea and offshore wind contractor.

The Norwegian government’s tender process for floating offshore wind in the Utsira Nord area, which could host up to 1.5 GW of capacity, is expected to start later this year. The government has proposed to award three areas for up to 500 MW each there, based on qualitative criteria.

RWE, as part of a different team, with Equinor and Hydro REIN, has already announced its intention to bid to develop a bottom-fixed offshore wind farm in the other Norwegian area designated for offshore renewables, Sorlige Nordsjo II.

“Utsira Nord is an excellent opportunity for us to develop a floating offshore wind project on an industrial scale with two strong Norwegian partners,” said Sven Utermoehlen, chief executive offshore wind RWE Renewables.

He pointed out that the company is participating in three floating wind demonstration projects, including the TetraSpar Demonstrator which is currently being commissioned in Norway, close to Utsira Nord.

RWE is also involved in the DemoSATH and the New England Aqua Ventus floating wind demonstration projects in Spain and in the US, respectively.

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