Proposing to study 20 areas for offshore wind

25/04/2023 A broadly composed group in the Directorate has identified 20 areas on the Norwegian shelf that could be technically suitable for offshore wind, and where there are relatively few conflicts of interest.

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has provided technical contributions in this process, which has been spearheaded by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE).

"We have 50 years of experience with coexistence at sea, which has been useful in the effort to identify these areas. In addition to this, we know the shelf and understand seabed conditions – this is important expertise as we assess whether areas are suitable for offshore wind," says Kjersti Dahle, Director of Technology, Analyses and Coexistence.

Among other things, the NPD has contributed data and knowledge about petroleum resources, CO2 storage complexes and the subsurface.

"For us, it's crucial that no potential petroleum and CO2 assets are lost as a result of developing offshore wind. Moving forward, it will be important to conduct a good, detailed mapping of the resource potential in the proposed areas, with the best possible data available," Dahle points out.

"Some of the areas are challenging as regards petroleum; others seem to be of little consequence."

Kjersti Dahle, Director of Technology, Analyses and Coexistence. Photo: Arne Bjørøen/NPD

Kjersti Dahle, Director of Technology, Analyses and Coexistence. Photo: Linn Smerud/NPD

Early planning and good dialogue between the industries is a prerequisite for achieving good coexistence with other industries.

In addition to the NVE and NPD, the Directorate of Fisheries, the Norwegian Environment Agency, the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency have participated in the effort to prepare the proposal. The Petroleum Safety Authority has acted as an observer, and several other agencies have contributed facts.

Contact

Ola Anders Skauby

Director Communication, public affairs and emergency response

Tel: +47 905 98 519

Updated: 25/04/2023

Send to a friend
Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Print

Latest news

Improved NCS map

21/02/2025 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate’s FactMaps have been upgraded, making it easier to use the service.

Dry well in the Norwegian Sea (6306/6-3 S)

21/02/2025 Aker BP ASA and its partners have drilled a dry well in the “Bounty Updip” prospect in the Norwegian Sea.

Minor increase in oil and gas resources on the NCS

20/02/2025 Total petroleum resources on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) saw a minor increase last year, according to last year’s "inventory" – the Resource Accounts for 2024.

Production figures January 2025

20/02/2025 Preliminary production figures for January 2025 show an average daily production of 1 990 000 barrels of oil, NGL and condensate.

Drilling permit for wellbore 7220/7-CD-1 H

10/02/2025 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Equinor Energy AS drilling permit for wellbore 7220/7-CD-1 H in production licence 532, cf. Section 13 of the Resource Management Regulations.

CO2 storage on the Norwegian shelf could become a new industry

07/02/2025 Last year, more licences were granted for storing CO2 on the Norwegian continental shelf than ever before.

Dry well in the North Sea (35/6-5 S)

06/02/2025 Aker BP ASA and its partners have drilled a dry well in the “Njargasas” prospect in the North Sea.

Consultation – proposed new Regulation on data collection and documentation for mineral activities on the continental shelf

05/02/2025 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate (NOD) is presenting proposed new Regulation on data collection and documentation for mineral activities on the continental shelf.

Drilling permit for wellbore 7/1-4 S

31/01/2025 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Vår Energi ASA drilling permit for wellbore 7/1-4 S in production licence 1090, cf. Section 13 of the Resource Management Regulations.

Dry well in the Norwegian Sea (6305/10-1)

22/01/2025 Orlen Upstream Norway and its partner Norske Shell have drilled a dry well, wildcat well 6305/10-1 “Tomcat”, in the southern part of the Norwegian Sea.