Floating wind technology remains a priority

Norway’s wind energy sector has been steadily growing, with both onshore and offshore projects gaining momentum. As the country moves toward achieving its ambitious climate goals, wind power—particularly offshore and floating wind—has become a cornerstone of its renewable energy strategy.

Installed capacity and growth

• Total capacity: As of mid-2024, Norway’s total wind energy capacity reached 5.18 GW, with onshore wind contributing 5.08 GW and offshore wind standing at 101 MW.
• Onshore wind: Norway has seen a steady increase in onshore wind capacity, but new installations have slowed compared to previous years.
• Offshore wind: While Norway’s offshore wind sector remains in early development, its first offshore wind auction in 2024 for the Sørlige Nordsjø II site (1.5 GW) was a key milestone.

Government ambitions

• 2030 target: Norway has set a target to achieve 5.56 GW of total wind capacity by 2030, including a significant expansion in offshore wind.
• 2050 net-zero target: Norway aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with renewable energy playing a central role in decarbonizing its energy system. Wind power, especially offshore and floating wind, is integral to this strategy, as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on oil and gas while maintaining energy security.

Current and upcoming projects

• Fosen Wind Farm (onshore, Central Norway): One of Norway’s largest onshore wind projects, with a total capacity of 1.0 GW.
• Hywind Tampen Floating Wind Farm (North Sea): The world’s largest floating wind farm with a capacity of 88 MW, expected to be fully operational in 2024.
• Sørfjorden Floating Wind Farm: Another pioneering floating wind project is under development in the western fjords of Norway. This project will consist of several floating turbines with a total capacity of around 100 MW, further establishing Norway’s leadership in floating wind technology.
• Utsira Nord Offshore Wind Farm (North Sea): A large-scale offshore wind project in the planning phase. It is expected to feature both fixed-bottom and floating wind turbines, with a total capacity of up to 3 GW. The project is crucial for meeting the country’s 2030 offshore wind target.
• Arctic offshore wind projects: Norway is also exploring the potential for offshore wind in the Arctic, where wind conditions are particularly favorable. Projects in the Barents Sea are being studied for their viability, and if successful, they could provide a significant boost to Norway’s offshore wind capacity.

Recent developments

• Floating wind technology leadership: Norway continues to lead in floating wind technology, with the Hywind Tampen project demonstrating commercial-scale viability.
• First offshore wind auction: Norway successfully held its first offshore wind auction for Sørlige Nordsjø II, marking a turning point for the country’s offshore wind sector.
• International collaborations: The government is partnering with European and global energy firms to accelerate floating wind developments.
• Green hydrogen and wind power: Norway is exploring the integration of wind energy with green hydrogen production, particularly in offshore wind projects. This could provide a solution for storing and transporting renewable energy, further advancing the country’s efforts to decarbonize its energy system.

With 5.18 GW of total wind capacity as of 2024, Norway is expanding its onshore and offshore wind sectors​. The successful offshore wind auction in 2024 signals growing momentum for offshore wind, while floating wind technology remains a priority. Norway’s goal of 5.56 GW by 2030 reinforces its commitment to renewable energy expansion, ensuring its position as a key player in the global wind energy market.

This information is updated in March 2025

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