RES expands offshore wind development in two new markets

RES has commenced development activities in two new offshore wind markets: Norway and Australia. Uniquely placed to combine its local knowledge and skills with global offshore experience, RES is focused on supporting the growth of the industry locally in these markets.

In Norway, RES and Zephyr AS have established a new consortium, SIRAVIND, to bid for one of the three areas in the Utsira Nord offshore wind tender process.  The area under consideration will utilise floating wind technology and deliver approximately 500MW.  The tender was announced by The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in March and bids are due to be submitted in September 2023.  The three areas at Utsira Nord have a total installed capacity of 1.5 GW and plan to be operational by 2030, supporting the Norwegian Government’s vision of 30GW of offshore by 2040.  

Offshore wind is the exciting next chapter in Australia’s renewable energy journey and will build on meeting the country’s renewable energy targets. RES is exploring a number of areas along the Australian coast and in particular looking at sites off the southern coast of Victoria in the Gippsland area, where it can propose suitable projects that contribute to the state’s 20% offshore target whilst delivering inward economic investment in local supply chains and long-term careers in renewable energy. 

Rob Fradley, Offshore Commercial Director for RES, commented: “To reach net-zero we need to maximise all forms of renewable energy.  We have been involved in offshore wind from the very beginning, and with that brings an ability for us to realise projects that contribute to decarbonisation and at the same time support economic growth.

“Our focus is on how we can help build the local industries in both Australia and Norway to capitalise on the growth in the offshore wind sector, by supporting local production/fabrication and employment opportunities as we know these are the elements that will foster success.” 

Using its extensive global knowledge across the sector and wealth of experience, RES is well placed to develop projects in both markets.