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The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has granted GE Vernova’s subsidiary Georgine Wind permission to build and operate an 18 MW test turbine in Gulen municipality.
The project, which is part of a test programme to advance offshore wind technology, will feature an up to 18 MW turbine, with a maximum tip height of 275 metres and up to 250 metres in rotor diameter.
The turbine is expected to have an annual electricity production of 55 GWh, which corresponds to the annual energy consumption of approximately 2,750 Norwegian households.
The unit is planned to undergo testing for up to five years, after which it will remain on land and generate electricity for an additional 25 years.
“This is the largest wind turbine to be licensed in Norway. It is also the first wind power plant to be licensed within an existing industrial area,” says Ann Myhrer Østenby , section manager at NVE.
The project is planned to be built within an existing industrial area in Sløvåg. This means that the direct impacts from the wind turbine may be lower than for other wind turbines, according to NVE.
The Norwegian regulator also added that the operation of a wind turbine in an industrial area must take into account coexistence with existing industry.
To counteract negative impacts on the environment and neighbours, Georgine Wind is required to implement several mitigation measures. The company will also have to prepare a detailed plan before the construction process begins, according to NVE.