East Anglia and Norway join forces for Offshore Wind

East of England Energy Group and Norwegian Offshore Wind are focused on developing world-leading offshore wind supply chains. These two organizations share the North Sea and have different strengths that will create valuable synergies. Norwegian Offshore Wind sees the UK as the most attractive offshore wind market in Europe and has established a dedicated working group to ensure its members can participate in projects in the UK.

“East England is one of the main centers for offshore wind energy in the largest market in Europe. Since the North Sea is a common sea basin with Norway, our members will certainly benefit from strengthening cooperation with the industry in this region,” says Arvid Nesse, manager of the Norwegian company Offshore Wind.

East Anglia has become one of the main centers of offshore wind energy in the UK. Several large developers such as Scottish Power Renewables, RWE and Orsted are located in the region with large offshore wind projects such as Norfolk and East Anglia.

Furthermore, the region is home to a strong supply chain, with Great Yarmouth Harbor being the installation base for the Norfolk offshore wind zone and the operation and maintenance base for the Dudgeon and Sheringham shoals.

“For us, this MoU is a two-way street, it also opens the door for UK companies to engage with the Norwegian offshore wind market,” says Alfred Risan, leader of the NOW working group for the UK.

Norway has impressive ambitions for offshore wind energy. The government has set a target of 30 GW by 2040. Earlier this year, Norway held its first auction, during which Ventyr was awarded the southern North Sea II area. The area has a power potential of 1.5 GW. The next auctions will take place in 2025, and 70% of the areas identified as suitable for offshore wind energy will be floating.

East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) is based in Norfolk. It represents around 200 members from four English counties and every energy sector – wind, gas, nuclear, solar, geothermal and more. They work closely with educational institutions, local authorities and the government.

Kevin Keable, Chairman of EEEGR, said: “It can be really important for our members to access business opportunities in Norway using the skills and techniques developed in our region. We hope that our members will be able to establish profitable and rewarding partnerships with our Norwegian neighbors.”