Billion-grants to groundbreaking floating offshore wind project in energy HUB Øygarden

For the first time, a multi-rotor wind wall will be built on a floating platform, representing a new offshore wind solution. The project, led by Wind Catching Systems, aims for completion by 2029 and will be deployed off the coast of the municipality Øygarden, west off Bergen. 

Øygarden - the obvious location

Unlike traditional offshore wind turbines, which rely on single large turbines, this new concept uses a multi-rotor wind wall, comprising 40 1 MW turbines. This design promises significant advantages, including reduced maintenance costs and improved space efficiency, making offshore wind installations more competitive with other energy sources. According to the company, the project’s goal is to deliver a total installed capacity of 40 MW, producing an estimated 99 GWh annually.  

Øygarden kommune, with close to 40 000 inhabitants, stretches across a chain of islands off Bergen’s west coast.  This coastal and island-based geography positions Øygarden as a significant area for both traditional fishing and modern energy sectors, especially offshore oil and gas. Oil and gas have been an important part of the economy for 50 years. But Øygarden is promoting a transition to green and sustainable industries. 

Hence, Øygarden is an ideal location for this pioneering project, both due to natural conditions and the existing energy infrastructure. “The Windcatcher” demonstrates the vast potential of Norwegian waters for renewable energy production, with 80 % of the world’s offshore wind resources located in deep waters where floating wind is most effective.  

Øygarden is an ideal location for the groundbreaking Windcatcher project. This area has one of the world's most consistent and powerful winds, hence region is ideally suited for floating wind technology.  Illustration: NVE.

Innovation will cut costs

The Enova-support is important. Enova is owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment and operates as a public funding body. It provides financial support and advisory services to projects and initiatives that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy solutions, and the development of new, sustainable technologies.

When releasing the news, Enova’s CEO, Nils Kristian Nakstad, emphasized the growing momentum in the industry:  

- We are seeing increased mobilization in the sector. Projects like this drive innovation, reduce costs, and pave the way for the accelerated deployment of floating offshore wind.

Enova has strengthened its focus on offshore wind in its support programs. In May this year, Enova announced a new competition for small-scale floating offshore wind projects, where it is possible to apply for up to NOK 2 billion in support per project.

You can read more about Enova’s support program: “Offshore Wind 2035” here.

Ambitious targets

The Norwegian government sees increased renewable energy production as essential for cutting Norway’s greenhouse gas emissions and has set an ambitious target of allocating areas for 30 GW of offshore wind by 2040. Projects like this are critical to achieving that goal while creating jobs and reducing emissions.  

Norwegian Minster for Energy, Terje Aasland, calls the project “a game-changer”, both for Norway, but also for the industry as a whole.   

- This initiative showcases Norway’s world-class expertise in offshore energy. By advancing cost-efficient floating wind solutions, we can lead the international market while bolstering our renewable energy production, said Terje Aasland as Enova communicated the grants. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem.

“The VestVind report”  from PwC concludes Vestland is primed for industrial growth linked to offshore wind. Further - decades of experience from oil and gas have cultivated a skilled workforce and advanced technologies, easily transferable to offshore wind supply industry.

Explore the report here:

Do you see opportunities in Greater Bergen? Don’t hesitate to contact any of our advisors.