Offshore wind

An impressive 98% of Norway’s electricity is produced from renewables.

In addition to wind power, Norway has more than 1 500 hydropower plants throughout the country. Norway has half of Europe’s reservoir storage capacity, and more than 75% of Norwegian hydropower production capacity is flexible.

The first production licences for areas on the Norwegian continental shelf were issued in the mid-1960s and production began in earnest in 1971. At the end of 2022, there were 93 fields in production.

During this time, Norwegian companies, from large-scale developers to niche suppliers, have amassed valuable experience in the harshest conditions.

Norway is a world leader in digitalisation and has used digital twins since before the concept had a name. Norwegian companies are reknowned as system integrators as well as suppliers of durable equipment that can stand up to the harshest conditions.

Norway delivers digital solutions for every phase of an offshore wind farm’s life cycle, increasing safety and efficiency, while cutting costs and emissions.

Norwegians have been shipbuilders and seafarers since Viking times. Today, Norway is a world leader in the green maritime segment of the offshore wind industry, designing and building specialised vessels for walk-to-work, construction support, installation and more.

Norway also excels in hybrid vessels for offshore wind.

Norway has many advantages when it comes to assembly and installation ports, including deep waters, sheltered areas and access to large quay fronts that sit on solid rock. In winter there is no ice on the sea along the southern coastline, with low tidal variations and no sand banks.Strong focus on research, innovation and minimising environmental footprint

The Norwegian offshore industry is renowned for its excellent health and safety record.

The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (formerly the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway) issues regulations for health, safety and the working environment (HSE), and is drafting new regulations for producing renewable energy at sea.

Norwegian workers are trustworthy and well-educated, with a strong sense of autonomy. Exceptional critical thinking skills enable them to work independently and solve problems. As a result, companies can employ fewer workers in Norway, and many international companies find that labour costs are much lower than they assumed.

Industrial culture is built on trust, cooperation and a flat hierarchy, which also yields outstanding efficiency.

Norway has world-class infrastructure, especially digital infrastructure. The country tops digitalisation rankings in Europe, with nearly 100% Internet and mobile coverage and connectivity. Moreover, Norwegians are early adopters of digital technologies and possess outstanding digital skills.

Norway has strong R&D environments and industrial clusters throughout the country and government policies that support its major industries. Norway understands the value of international partnership and seeks it out.

While not an EU member, Norway is fully integrated into the European single market through the EEA Agreement.

Norway has a high level of political and social stability, consistently ranking among the world’s top countries for resiliency. The economy is strong and diverse as well.

Norway outperforms most other countries on the OECD’s Better Life Index. Along with a high standard of living, Norway offers a good work-life balance, public safety and a clean environment.

Excellent health care and higher education are available to all. Norway is known worldwide as a pioneer in gender equality, and provides generous family leave and universal, low-cost childcare.