Rising to New Heights
The Norwegian industrial group Wergeland has been chosen by energy titan Equinor as the preferred provider for manufacturing foundations and assembling turbines in their upcoming floating offshore wind projects. This significant decision reflects Equinor’s dedication to fostering local industries and ensuring that Norway remains a frontrunner in offshore wind technology.
“The agreement will promote further development of the Norwegian supplier industry in offshore wind and will also bring local value creation and social development,” affirmed Siri Espedal Kindem, senior vice president for the Renewables Norway cluster.
A Partnership Set to Sail
Equinor’s first project with Wergeland, the Utsira North project, is in partnership with green energy firm Vårgrønn and is expected to be awarded later this year. The two organizations aim to use concrete floaters based on a spar-type design, innovating within the offshore wind sector.
“As the only fully Norwegian consortium competing for Utsira awards, we are dedicated to maximizing positive local spin-offs and helping establish a Norwegian supply chain for offshore wind capable of delivering at the scale that Norway’s offshore wind ambitions require,” stated Christer af Geijerstam, head of project development at Vårgrønn.
A Five-Year Plan and Beyond
The collaborative agreement between Equinor and Wergeland extends for an initial period of five years. Nonetheless, there is an option to prolong the fruitful partnership, allowing for the continuous growth and development of Norway’s offshore wind sector.
