Norwegian scheme for floating offshore wind in Utsira Nord greenlighted
The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has approved a Norwegian State aid scheme aimed at supporting the development of a floating offshore wind farm in Utsira Nord, located in the North Sea off the coast of Rogaland County.
With a total budget of NOK 35 billion (approximately EUR 2.95 billion), the scheme will be administered by the Norwegian Ministry of Energy and granted in the form of a direct grant. The project will increase renewable energy production, contribute to electrification, and reduce fossil fuel dependency in Norway’s transport, industry, and business sectors—helping the country meet its climate targets and contributing to European emission reductions.
The selection process will follow a two-step model: first, a qualitative competition to award project areas, followed by a State aid auction in 2028–2029. Aid will be granted to the bidder offering the lowest amount of public support per megawatt.
ESA has assessed the measure under the Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy (CEEAG) and found it to be compatible with EEA State aid rules.
ESA’s decision can be found here.