Fosen Vind Wind Farm Norway Complete Review

 Fosen Vind Wind Farm Norway

Renewable Energy 

 Wind Energy 

4 minutes read

Fosen Vind Wind Farm Norway 

Fosen Vind is a large wind power project located in the Fosen region of Norway. The wind farm is made up of six separate wind parks: Harbaksfjellet, Roan, Storheia, Kvenndalsfjellet, Hitra 2 and Geitfjellet. 

In total, the wind farms have a capacity of 1,057 MW, making it the largest wind power project in Europe.

The Fosen Vind project was developed by a consortium of Norwegian companies, including Statkraft, TrønderEnergi, and Nordic Wind Power DA. The project was completed in 2020, after several years of planning and construction.

The wind turbines used at Fosen Vind are manufactured by Vestas and Siemens-Gamesa, and have a capacity of up to 4.2 MW each. The turbines are mounted on towers that can be up to 140 meters tall, and the rotor diameter can reach up to 145 meters.

The Fosen Vind project is expected to generate approximately 3.6 TWh of electricity annually, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of around 170,000 Norwegian households. The wind farm is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 2.3 million tonnes per year.


Fosen Vind Wind Farm Norway History

The Fosen Vind wind power project in Norway was initiated in 2005 by the Norwegian power company, Statkraft, which saw an opportunity to develop a large-scale wind farm in the Fosen region of central Norway. In 2013, Statkraft formed a consortium with the Norwegian utility company TrønderEnergi and the investment fund Nordic Wind Power DA to develop the project further.

The Fosen Vind project underwent a long and challenging planning process, which included conducting extensive environmental impact assessments and consultations with local communities, indigenous Sami groups, and other stakeholders. The project faced opposition from some environmental groups and local residents who were concerned about the potential impact on wildlife, including bird and reindeer populations, and on the natural landscape.

Despite the challenges, the Fosen Vind project was granted all necessary permits by the Norwegian government in 2016, and construction began in the same year. The project was completed in 2020, after four years of construction.

The Fosen Vind project was a significant undertaking, with over 1,000 people employed during the construction phase. The project required the installation of over 200 wind turbines across six separate wind parks, each with its own unique challenges, including difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions.

The Fosen Vind wind farm is now in operation and is providing renewable energy to the Norwegian electricity grid. The project has been lauded as a significant achievement for renewable energy in Norway and Europe, and it demonstrates the potential for large-scale wind power projects to contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon future.


Fosen Vind Wind Farm

Fosen Vind Wind Farm Norway Profile

The Fosen Vind wind power project in Norway is one of the largest wind farms in Europe. 

Fosen Vind Wind Farm Specification

FeatureSpecification
Project TypeOnshore wind farm
LocationTrøndelag County, Central Norway
Capacity1,057 MW
Total Production3,400 GWh per year
Number of Turbines278
Turbine Model (primary)Vestas V117-3.45MW
Turbine Model (secondary)Vestas V112-3.45MW
Rated Capacity per Turbine3.6 MW
Rotor Diameter (V117)117 meters
Hub Height87 meters
Construction Period2016 - 2020
OwnerStatkraft (52.1%), TrønderEnergi (7.9%), Nordic Wind Power (40%)


Here are some key details about the project:

Location: The Fosen Vind wind farm is located in the Fosen region of central Norway, spanning over 680 square kilometers of land and sea areas.

Wind Turbines: The wind farm consists of over 200 wind turbines, with a total capacity of 1,057 megawatts (MW). The turbines are manufactured by Vestas and Siemens-Gamesa and have a capacity of up to 4.2 MW each.

Wind Parks: The project is divided into six separate wind parks: Harbaksfjellet, Roan, Storheia, Kvenndalsfjellet, Hitra 2 and Geitfjellet.

Owners: The Fosen Vind wind power project is jointly owned by Statkraft, TrønderEnergi, and Nordic Wind Power DA.

Electricity Production: The wind farm is expected to generate approximately 3.6 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of around 170,000 Norwegian households.

CO2 Reductions: The Fosen Vind project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 2.3 million tonnes per year.

Construction: Construction on the Fosen Vind wind farm began in 2016 and was completed in 2020, after four years of construction.

Environmental Impact: The project underwent extensive environmental impact assessments and consultations with local communities, indigenous Sami groups, and other stakeholders. The wind farm has been designed to minimize the impact on wildlife and the natural landscape.


Fosen Vind Wind Farm Norway Technology

The Fosen Vind wind power project in Norway uses some of the most advanced wind turbine technology available today. 

Here are some of the key technological features of the project:

Turbine Capacity: The wind turbines used at Fosen Vind have a capacity of up to 4.2 megawatts (MW) each, making them among the largest and most powerful wind turbines in the world. The turbines are manufactured by Vestas and Siemens-Gamesa, two of the world's leading wind turbine manufacturers.

Tower Height: The turbines are mounted on towers that can be up to 140 meters tall, which allows them to capture stronger and more consistent wind currents at higher altitudes.

Rotor Diameter: The rotor diameter of the turbines can reach up to 145 meters, which increases the surface area of the blades and enables them to capture more wind energy.

Control Systems: The turbines are equipped with advanced control systems that allow them to adapt to changing wind conditions and optimize their performance. These systems use real-time data on wind speed, direction, and other factors to adjust the angle and speed of the blades for maximum efficiency.

Transmission: The wind power generated at Fosen Vind is transmitted to the Norwegian electricity grid via underground cables. The electricity is then distributed to consumers across the country.


Fosen Vind Wind Farm Norway Operator

The Fosen Vind wind power project in Norway is jointly owned by three companies: Statkraft, TrønderEnergi, and Nordic Wind Power DA. Statkraft is a Norwegian state-owned energy company and the largest renewable energy producer in Europe, while TrønderEnergi is a Norwegian utility company that produces and distributes electricity to customers in the central region of Norway. Nordic Wind Power DA is an investment fund that specializes in wind power projects.

The Fosen Vind wind farm is operated by Statkraft, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. This includes monitoring the performance of the wind turbines, ensuring that they are operating efficiently and safely, and carrying out any necessary maintenance or repairs. 

Statkraft also manages the transmission of electricity from the wind farm to the Norwegian electricity grid, which involves coordinating with grid operators and other stakeholders to ensure a stable and reliable supply of electricity.

The operation of the Fosen Vind wind farm is subject to strict environmental and safety regulations, which are enforced by the Norwegian government and other regulatory bodies. Statkraft and its partners are committed to operating the wind farm in a responsible and sustainable manner, and they work closely with local communities, environmental groups, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project is managed in an environmentally and socially responsible way.


Fosen Vind Wind Farm Norway Financial and International Investment

Fosen Vind Wind Farm Investment

FeatureSpecification
Estimated Total Investment€1.1 billion (NOK 11 billion)
Investment Breakdown* Statkraft (52.1%): €0.572 billion (NOK 6.27 billion) * Nordic Wind Power DA (40%): €0.44 billion (NOK 4.95 billion) * TrønderEnergi (7.9%): €0.087 billion (NOK 0.975 billion)


Note: Currency conversion is approximate.

The Fosen Vind wind power project in Norway is a major investment in renewable energy infrastructure, with a total cost of approximately 11 billion Norwegian kroner (around 1.2 billion US dollars) for the entire project. Here are some details about the project's financial and international investment:

Ownership: The Fosen Vind wind farm is jointly owned by three companies: Statkraft, TrønderEnergi, and Nordic Wind Power DA. Statkraft holds a 52.1% stake in the project, while TrønderEnergi holds 7.9% and Nordic Wind Power holds 40%.

International Investment: The Fosen Vind project has attracted investment from a number of international sources. For example, the European Investment Bank provided a 350 million euro loan to support the construction of the wind farm, while the Nordic Investment Bank provided a 150 million euro loan. The project has also received support from the Norwegian government, which has provided funding for research and development related to renewable energy technologies.

Revenue: The Fosen Vind wind farm generates revenue through the sale of electricity to the Norwegian electricity grid. The project is expected to generate approximately 3.6 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, which will be sold to Norwegian consumers at market prices.

Jobs and Economic Benefits: The Fosen Vind wind power project has created a significant number of jobs and economic benefits for the region. During the construction phase, the project employed more than 4,000 people, while the ongoing operation of the wind farm is expected to create around 150 jobs. The project has also generated income for local landowners, as well as tax revenue for the Norwegian government.

Renewable Energy Targets: The Fosen Vind wind power project is part of Norway's broader effort to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix. The Norwegian government has set a target of generating 67.5% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and the Fosen Vind project is expected to make a significant contribution to meeting that target.


Conclusion for Fosen Vind Wind Farm Norway 

Fosen Vind Wind Farm Contribution

There are two main ways to look at the Fosen Vind Wind Farm's contribution:

1. Energy Production

FeatureSpecification
Annual Electricity Production3,400 GWh
Reduced CO2 EmissionsUp to 1.7 million tonnes per year (estimate based on replacing fossil fuel generation)

2. Economic Contribution

FeatureSpecification
Jobs Created (during construction)Over 1,000
Jobs Created (permanent)Around 50
Local and Regional TaxesContributes to local and regional tax revenues through property taxes and concession fees

Source:

Note:

  • The CO2 emissions reduction is an estimate and depends on the specific fossil fuels being replaced.

The Fosen Vind wind power project in Norway is one of the largest and most ambitious renewable energy projects in the world. 

With a total capacity of 1,000 MW, the project comprises six wind farms spread across three municipalities in central Norway. The wind turbines used at Fosen Vind are some of the most advanced and efficient in the world, with a capacity of up to 4.2 MW each and a rotor diameter of up to 145 meters. The project is jointly owned by three companies, with Statkraft being responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the wind farm.

The Fosen Vind wind power project has attracted significant investment from a variety of sources, including international institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the Nordic Investment Bank. The project is expected to generate significant revenue through the sale of electricity to the Norwegian electricity grid, and it has also created a significant number of jobs and economic benefits for the region.

The Fosen Vind wind power project is an important part of Norway's efforts to transition to a more sustainable and renewable energy system. By harnessing the power of wind, the project is helping to reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the Fosen Vind wind power project is a testament to the potential of renewable energy to provide clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to communities around the world.