Consortium between GIG, Agder Energi and Vårgrønn to develop offshore wind in the Norwegian area of Sørlige Nordsjø II.
Vårgrønn, the renewable energy company founded by HitecVision and Eni, and Agder Energi announce an alliance with GIG, one of the largest renewable infrastructure developers in the world, for the joint participation in the competitive auction announced by the Norwegian authorities for the development of offshore wind farms in the Norwegian area of Sørlige Nordsjø II, which provides up to 3 GW of new offshore wind capacity.
The Sørlige Nordsjø II area is one of two areas made available by the Norwegian government for the granting of marine licenses for offshore wind development. Due to its proximity to the European energy market, shallow sea and good wind conditions, the Sørlige Nordsjø II area is particularly suitable for large-scale wind power generation. Norway has the area, the resources and the availability of suppliers, prerequisites for the success of the project.
“We are delighted to be part of a specialized offshore wind team with a combination of experience and knowledge of local grid infrastructure and offshore wind design. The skills and common commitment to the energy transition and offshore energy development enable us to face the licensing competition. Green Investment Group has extensive experience in the development and management of offshore wind farms around the world. The successful bid for seabed rights earlier this year in Crown Estate's Offshore Wind Leasing Round 4 confirms that GIG adds the experience, capacity and expertise to our consortium to obtain licenses in Norway, ”said Olav Hetland, CEO of Vårgrønn.
“As one of the most promising countries for offshore wind in the world, we are strongly committed to participating in the next licensing in Norway. We are excited to join Agder Energi and Vårgrønn in creating a strong offshore wind consortium for Sørlige Nordsjø II. Based in southern and western Norway, the two companies can use their combined energy expertise and regional presence. GIG's global expertise in wind and offshore infrastructure will complement and further strengthen the consortium, ”said Edward Northam, Head of GIG Europe.
“Creating a new industrial chain is Norway's primary goal for offshore wind development in Norway. We are working closely with Norwegian suppliers, we are pleased to contribute to the strong commitment of the consortium, the Norwegian offshore wind industry will make a real contribution to the energy transition in Europe, ”said Steffen Syvertsen, CEO of Agder Energi.
Vårgronn, a renewable energy company founded by Eni and leading Norwegian private equity investor HitecVision, has consolidated experience in the offshore energy sector and a strong commitment to contributing to the energy transition. The same partnership also founded Vår Energi, and by virtue of this long-standing collaboration, Vårgrønn provides the consortium with territory-specific offshore as well as financial expertise.
Agder Energy is one of the leading Norwegian producers of renewable hydroelectricity with a long experience in the development of renewable energy, submarine interconnectors and power systems engineering. It is the operator of the local network for the onshore connection from Sørlige Nordsjø II and provides the consortium with knowledge and expertise.
The Green Investment Group (GIG) of Macquarie has funded renewable energy projects globally worth over £ 25 billion. It has experience and expertise in the development, construction and application of offshore wind, with an offshore wind portfolio of 11 GW of installed or under development capacity. This makes GIG one of the most experienced offshore wind developers in the world.
Vårgrønn and Agder Energi will join the consortium with a stake of 37,5% each, Green Investment Group of 25%.