Offshore wind

Offshore wind is becoming an important industry in Norway. The technological development has made the development of new areas and the use of new methods possible, including floating production. The areas Sørlige Nordsjø II and Utsira Nord was opened for application for production in 2020 and it is expected that further areas will be opened for production by 2023.

By way of the act 4 July 2010 no. 21 on offshore renewable energy production (the offshore energy act) and related regulation on offshore energy production (the offshore energy regulation), the Norwegian government has established a framework for offshore wind production on the Norwegian continental shelf.

On 11 June 2021 the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy put out a proposal for public consultation in relation guidelines on area allocation and process applications for offshore wind, including prequalification and award procedure for the areas Sørlige Nordsjø II and Utsira Nord.

On the same day, 11 June 2021, the Norwegian government confirmed its commitment to the development of offshore energy production in the report to the Storting (White Paper) (St. Meld. 36 (2020-2021)) «Putting Energy to Work». In the report, offshore wind is highlighted as an important focus area and part of the green shift. The report is drafted in the wake of the Commission’s strategy set out in COM (2020) 741 «An EU strategy to harness the potential of offshore renewable energy for a climate neutral future».

Simonsen Vogt Wiig has long experience in assisting clients in large renewable energy project, hereunder in assisting clients in national and international offshore wind projects. We provide legal services related to all aspects of the offshore wind industry, hereunder regulatory aspects, including the application for and award of acreage, contracts related to transport and installation of wind turbine generators, PPAs and grid connection, as well as operation and maintenance. We also assist suppliers to the offshore wind industry, such as turbine- and equipment suppliers, as well as banks and other companies involved in the financing of the projects.

Examples of projects that we have worked on are:

  • Changfang and Xidao Offshore Wind Farms – Taiwan
    • Project: Project Changfang and Xidao, 600 MW
    • Sponsors: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
  • Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm – Scotland
    • Project: Project Seagreen, 1,100 MW
    • Sponsors: SSE
  • Dogger Bank A, B og C – England (incl. the building of a special purpose vessel)
    • Project: Project Dogger A, Project Dogger B, 2 x 1,200MW
    • Sponsors: SSE and Equinor

The strong renewable energy department at Simonsen Vogt Wiig possesses significant knowledge in transactions, financing and development projects in the wind power market.

Chambers and Partners