An analysis of more than 600 Norwegian supplier companies has found enormous potential for the offshore wind supplier industry.
The report found that the Norwegian supplier industry has comparative advantages and strong potential in the production of export cables, foundation and turbine installation, and the construction and operation of vessels and transformer platforms.
This is in-part due to the transferable skills and assets built up by many companies who are currently suppliers to the oil and gas industry, with many others already adapting to supply the growing offshore wind industry.
The findings of the report prepared by RCG Nordic on behalf of Brigg Vind, an offshore wind consortium at Sørlige Nordsjø II consisting of Vårgrønn, Å Energi and Corio Generation, include widespread industrial potential ranging from subsea cables to the use of artificial intelligence to protect bird life.
The report confirms that offshore wind projects in Norway will create significant value for society and new jobs.
The report also found, that in addition to traditional supplier companies, many smaller start-up companies also have in-built comparative advantages in digitalisation, robotics and software systems.
Whilst individual Norwegian companies have won offshore wind contracts internationally, the majority of Norwegian supplier companies have not been able to benefit from an existing domestic offshore wind market, reducing the chance for local hands-on experience.
Arvid Nesse, manager of Norwegian Offshore Wind, one of the organisations that have contributed to the analysis explained: “This report underlines the importance of getting our home market up and running. Supply chain companies need to build and develop further their expertise on projects at home to reach their full potential. It is remarkable to see the competence mapped out in this report.”
Another contributor to the report was GCE NODE, an industry-driven cluster for ocean technologies. Their CEO, Tom Fidjeland, commented: “The report shows that we have a very competent supplier industry in Norway, which will be of significant importance for reaching the Norwegian ambitions related to offshore wind.”
Olav Hetland, CEO of Vårgrønn, on behalf of the Brigg Vind consortium said that a large-scale offshore wind industry in Norway will provide the basis for more than 50,000 permanent jobs and NOK 80 billion in annual value creation.
The analysis has been carried out in collaboration with the industry groups Norsk Industri, the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, GCE Node, Norwegian Offshore Wind and Norwegian Energy Partners.
