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: 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.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Norwegian Petroleum Directorate