Preliminary results are presented in a new expert report, developed ahead of the High Level Event for Offshore Energy in Bruges on 15 May. The report addresses challenges related to supply chains, cost distribution and financing and market design.
- Europe and Norway are committed to reaching the target of zero emissions and are amidst a green transition. To achieve this ambition, more renewable energy must be developed. The North Sea countries individually and together aim to develop large amounts of offshore wind in the coming years. Cooperation will be crucial to establish grid infrastructure that enables us to reap the great energy potential in the North Sea, says Håkon Borgen, Executive Vice President for Oceans at Statnett.
In Norway, the government has made areas available for the development of up to 3 GW offshore wind, and the ambition is to open areas for up to 30 GW by 2040. The first phase of 1.5 GW has been allocated, and the power production from this project will be connected to the mainland Norwegian power grid. The long-term ambition for offshore energy production in Norwegian waters is greater than the Norwegian energy system can handle alone. It is therefore a prerequisite that much of the production is also connected to other countries. Statnett is contributing to the Norwegian authorities' consideration of different grid solutions.
- The ambitions for offshore energy development in the North Sea are huge. For grid operators responsible for the system, there are issues related to supply chains, technical and market conditions and joint regulation that must be resolved to develop a future offshore grid. Through the collaboration in OTC, Statnett can help promote Norwegian views and find good solutions to joint challenges, says Borgen.