Norway - Hydro planning wind power project in Sokndal

Norwegian energy and metals company Norsk Hydro has informed regulators that it has started planning a possible wind farm with more than 50 wind turbines at Tellenes in the Norwegian county of Sor Rogaland. If the project is realized, it will be able to produce enough power to supply 20,000 homes in five to eight years. The project comprises five possible wind power sites surrounding the mining area operated by Titania AS. The majority of the project lies in Sokndal municipality, and the rest in Lund. Hydro anticipates that transport of equipment to the power facility would take place using the existing road network currently utilized by Titania. A wind farm would have to be connected to the national grid and Hydro expects that this would be achieved with a power line to Ana-Sira in the vicinity.

Titania and Hydro have an agreement that allows Hydro to erect a wind measuring mast and other measuring equipment on Titania's site. The companies will cooperate on determining whether the building of a wind farm can take place without negative consequences for mining activities. The companies expect to be able to utilize surplus aggregate from the mining activities to build roads in the hilly terrain of the site. A final agreement with the site owners and Titania can only be signed when Hydro has clarified which parts of the prenoted site are suitable for wind power construction and have been granted planning permission. Before Hydro can apply for a concession for a wind farm, the company will carry out several wind measurements and assess the suitability of the area for wind power development. Hydro must also carry out a consequence review according to NVE's requirements. Normally it takes between five and eight years from the start of such projects until building can commence.