BP has joined Statkraft and Aker Offshore Wind (AOW) in a consortium bidding to develop offshore wind energy in Norway.
The partnership – in which each member will hold a 33.3% share – is targeting the Sorlige Nordsjo II (SN2) licence area.
Partners said the area’s location provided power export access to local and adjacent markets.
They also intend to explore opportunities to provide clean power to electrify offshore oil and gas facilities.
The trio pledged to work with local suppliers and contribute toward value creation in the Nordic and European energy market.
BP has been expanding its footprint in the offshore wind market in recent months.
The London-listed firm bought stakes in two projects off the US east coast from Equinor, picked up two leases in the East Irish Sea, and announced its plans to take part in the ScotWind leasing round.
Dev Sanyal, BP’s executive vice president of gas and low carbon energy, said: “We aim to grow our renewables business at scale and we see great opportunities in offshore wind energy.
“We have decades of offshore experience in the North Sea and will also bring our extensive trading capabilities and strong relationships in Europe.
“Coming together with Aker and Statkraft, we believe this consortium will be ideally positioned to effectively and efficiently grow and deliver clean power for European markets, as well as strengthen the supply to Norway when needed.”
Christian Rynning-Tonnesen, chief executive of Statkraft, one of Europe’s largest producers of renewable energy, said: “We have extensive capability from the development and operation of onshore wind around the world and experience in significant offshore wind projects in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“Strong growth, decreasing technology costs and the involvement of industrial and financial players all indicate the rising role that offshore wind will play in Europe.
“Our partnership with Aker and BP will create significant value and contribute towards Europe’s energy transition.”
Kristian Rokke, chairman of AOW, added: “Our partnership has the potential to redefine Norway’s position as an energy nation, and the consortium’s joint capabilities are building blocks to lead the energy transition.
“Together with Statkraft and BP we will work to develop the Norwegian offshore wind industry, reduce emissions and create new jobs.”
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