Norway proposes sea-based wind power

Norway’s government proposed a new law on Friday to develop sea-based wind power as part of a plan to diversify from offshore oil and gas toward renewable energy.

“Offshore wind energy may become the next adventure for the Norwegian industry and energy sector,” Oil and Energy Minister Terje Riis-Johansen said in a statement of a draft bill presented by the center-left government.
The proposed act, which has to be debated and approved by parliament where the government has a slim majority, says that wind resources at sea belong to the state.

Norway will identify areas suitable for offshore wind development and then offer areas as it does for oil and gas licenses. The draft sets up technical details of applying for concessions, setting up, operating and closing installations.

“The proposal creates a framework for ensuring that energy infrastructure is planned, constructed and operated with due concern for energy supply, environment, security, fisheries, sea transport and other interests,” Riis-Johansen said.

Reuters