Offshore wind

The government has set a target to award areas for 30 000 MW of offshore wind capacity here by 2040. Following years of policy development and close dialogue with industry and other ocean users, commercial projects are now moving forward.

Norway’s offshore wind industry is based on decades of experience in the offshore energy industry. Marine engineering, subsea technology and operations in harsh conditions have been refined over more than 50 years. These capabilities are now being applied to offshore wind, with a particular focus on floating solutions suited to Norwegian waters.

With deep seas close to shore and a well-established maritime supply chain, Norway is naturally positioned to take the lead in floating offshore wind. Around 70 per cent of the Norwegian continental shelf is too deep for bottom-fixed turbines, making floating technology essential for unlocking the country’s full wind potential. This segment is expected to drive much of the global offshore wind growth after 2030.

The first commercial areas for offshore wind were opened in 2020. Two major areas are currently in progress:

Located off the coast of Rogaland, Utsira Nord is being developed using floating wind technology. The government launched a competition for three project areas in May 2025, each with a planned capacity of up to 500 MW.

The tender process is structured in two stages. In the first stage, developers will be assessed on five weighted criteria: cost realism, execution capability, innovation, sustainability and ripple effects. Three developers will be awarded seabed rights in 2026. In the second stage, scheduled for 2028, these projects will compete in a price-based aid auction. The project with the lowest support requirement will receive up to NOK 35 billion (roughly USD 3.25 billion) in investment aid and exclusive grid connection.

This area lies near the border with Denmark and the UK. It is suited for bottom-fixed foundations and will connect to the continental grid. The first phase, totalling 1 500 MW, was awarded in 2024.

In April 2023, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) identified 20 new areas along the coast with potential for future offshore wind development. These areas are part of Norway’s ambition to facilitate 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040.

Norway offers a location close to Europe’s major energy markets. A 2024 analysis of the North Sea Basin found that Norway can play a critical role in supporting regional offshore wind expansion, particularly through specialised port infrastructure and its strong maritime supply chain.

Offshore wind farms developed in Norwegian waters can connect to continental demand centres via interconnectors and future hydrogen or ammonia supply chains. This proximity shortens transport routes, improves grid connection potential and supports industrial decarbonisation in both Norway and neighbouring countries.

Norway’s network of coastal ports, many already in use by the oil and gas and maritime industries, provides key infrastructure for floating wind. These ports are being adapted for the assembly, storage, transport and maintenance of large-scale offshore wind structures. Several are located within short sailing distance of project areas and test sites.

Find out more using the Norwegian Offshore Wind Port Finder

The offshore wind sector in Norway is supported by a well-developed ecosystem of suppliers, researchers and industrial players. Norwegian Offshore Wind is the country’s largest industry cluster, with more than 400 members across the value chain.

The Marine Energy Test Centre (METCentre) offers full-scale demonstration facilities for floating technology. It plays a central role in testing, verification and reducing time to market for innovative concepts.

The National Competence Centre for Offshore Wind adds further capacity for knowledge sharing and development of national expertise.

Norwegian ports and industry benefit from electricity that is almost entirely renewable. Hydropower is the dominant source, offering stable, low-emission energy for offshore wind production, fabrication and operation. This helps to reduce the life cycle emissions of wind projects and makes the Norwegian offshore wind value chain more sustainable.

As a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Norway implements EU legislation relevant to offshore wind, including environmental regulations and energy market rules. This ensures a high degree of regulatory predictability for international developers and suppliers.

Norway’s tenders follow EU-compliant evaluation criteria based on competence, technological maturity and industrial impact. While project scoring cannot favour geographic location, ripple effects such as workforce transition and supplier development remain important to national goals.

Read more about Norway’s relationship to the EU here

The Norwegian Government has signalled a long-term commitment to the sector, with a focus on coexistence with other ocean users, accelerated grid planning and cost reduction.

In addition to tendered areas, Norway is preparing new project zones to support its 2040 target. With strong international interest and rising project activity, the focus is now on building capacity, securing investment and scaling floating offshore wind solutions that can compete globally.

Invest in Norway provides tailored support to international companies looking to enter the offshore wind sector. We offer insight into the policy landscape, guidance on regulatory processes, and introductions to key stakeholders across industry, research and public administration.

For companies considering market entry, we help to identify relevant project opportunities, understand evaluation criteria, and connect with clusters, test centres, ports and industrial sites.

As offshore wind in Norway moves from vision to reality, international companies are looking for credible projects, trusted partners and long-term opportunities. Invest in Norway is here to help you to understand the landscape, identify where you fit, and connect with the people and places that make progress possible.