Wind power
Statkraft’s goal is to develop 1 100 MW of land-based and 150 MW of offshore wind energy within the year 2015. Man has exploited wind energy for thousands of years, from the very first sailing boats to ventilation systems dating back to 300 BC. In the 19th century, wind mills were constructed all along the Norwegian coast to grind grain. The international oil crisis at the beginning of the 1970s helped spur the development of modern wind generators for the production of electricity. Wind energy remains one of the most eco-friendly energy sources for large-scale energy production.
Statkraft’s wind energy initiatives
In 1997, Statkraft decided to focus on the development of wind energy projects. The group’s first wind farm was opened by King Harald at Smøla in 2002. This was also Norway’s first major wind farm. Currently, Statkraft has three wind farms in operation in Norway, and a number of projects are being developed.
Since 2008, Statkraft has concentrated the development of Norwegian, land-based wind energy projects in SAE Vind, a joint-venture with Agder Energy. In Sweden, Statkraft is collaborating with a number of partners to develop wind energy. In the UK we are developing wind energy both on land and offshore.
The future of wind energy
Germany, Spain and Denmark are amongst the European countries with the most extensive development of wind energy. Norway, Sweden and the UK still have a great potential for the development of land-based wind energy. The UK also has a number of shallow maritime areas which are well-suited for the development of wind farms resting on the seabed. British authorities aim to develop a total of 25 000 MW of offshore wind energy in the coming years. Statkraft is applying for licences for the construction of both land-based and offshore wind farms.
In the long-term, more development will take place offshore, where there are good wind resources and space for larger wind farms. The development will first take place in the shallow areas of the North Sea basin, where the turbine towers can be installed on the seabed. The deeper maritime areas along the Norwegian coast will demand floating and far more robust technology, which will only be fully developed and competitive in 10 to 20 years’ time.
News on Wind power
First foundation installed at Sheringham Shoal
The first foundation for the 317MW Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm has now been installed on the wind farm site, off the coast of Norfolk in the UK.
Successful open day at the Alltwalis wind farm
Last weekend, Statkraft invited the public to an open day at the Welsh wind farm. More than 1 100 locals showed up for a sunny day and activities for adults and children alike.
Valuable wind
Ambitious climate goals, high goals for renewables, fear of a climate crisis and a desire for more ”green” jobs, form the foundation for broad, multi-party political support for offshore wind energy in the UK, writes Oluf Ulseth, Senior Vice President of European Affairs in Statkraft.
Sea eagle research at Smøla wind farm
(Oslo, 17 June 2010) Extensive research is being carried out at the Smøla wind farm to prevent sea eagles crashing from flying into wind turbines. So far this year, ten dead sea eagles have been recovered at the wind farm. The sea eagle population on Smøla is, however, robust and has increased since the construction of the wind farm.
Awarded wind contract for Dogger Bank
The Crown Estate has announced that the Forewind consortium, comprising Statkraft, Statoil, SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) and RWE npower has been named as the successful bidder for the largest zone in the third licence round (Round 3) for UK offshore wind farms, Dogger Bank.
SN Power's Totoral wind farm inaugurated today
SN Power inaugurated today its first wind farm, located outside the town of Canela, near 300 kilometers north of the Chilean capital Santiago. The Totoral wind farm is expected to generate an annual average of 110 GWh of electricity to the Chilean central grid, enough to fulfill the needs of around 50 000 Chilean households.
