The Norwegian government has just presented policy suggestions to public consultation covering prequalification criteria, qualitative parameters as well as a model for allocation, tendering, and subsidizing projects to be built at designated offshore wind areas Sørlige Nordsjø II and Utsira Nord, writes Oslo in a press statement.

Site allotments within Sørlige Nordsjø II are scheduled to take place during 2023, whereas things could take a little longer for Utsira Nord, says Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland at a press conference Tuesday.

A prequalification round will first be held for players interested in bidding for allocations in Sørlige Nordsjø II’s first phase.

Regarding Utsira Nord, a limit will be set on the maximum number of auction participants.

”We will reserve areas able to host 30GW before 2040, and we’re now presenting allocation framework for Utsira Nord as well as the first sites of Sørlige Nordsjø. Cooperation is key to success, and I hope we will receive a lot of input in the just-launched hearing. This will set the standard for offshore wind in Norway,” Aasland notes in the media release.

The deadline for submitting consultation input is set to Jan. 6, 2023.

”I look forward to receiving input from the sector. We have no time to lose,” Aasland comments.

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