Will study alternative plan for wind power in Central Norway

The plan is to conduct an overall assessment of all the relevant wind power projects the four power companies have in Central Norway, including relevant licensed projects in Fosen Vind AS, SAE Vind DA and Sarepta Energi AS. The partners will cooperate on studying a new 1000 MW project by the end of September this year. The plan is to develop up to 750 MW of wind power north of the Trondheimsfjord, while at least 250 MW of wind power will be developed south of the Trondheimsfjord.

At the same time, Statnett will consider what adjustments this could entail for the planned grid projects, so that the new solution corresponds with the terms laid out in Statnett's grid licence.

The parties will sign a cooperation agreement that will govern each party's obligations in relation to the new project.

The plan presumes that Statnett's application for a one-year postponement of the deadline for its licence is granted, since the parties will need this time in order to put a new project into place.

If the new project constellation proves profitable, investment decisions could be made in the first quarter of next year.

The preliminary plan is for Statkraft to have a 50.1 per cent ownership interest in the overall project, and to take responsibility for a potential development, while TrønderEnergi will have an ownership interest between 5 and 10 per cent. A consortium led by Credit Suisse Energy Infrastructure Partners will continue its involvement in the project, and wants to take over the remaining ownership interest. Financing and ownership allocation will be clarified prior to a potential investment decision.

For more information, contact:

Agder Energi: CEO Tom Nysted, tel. +47 907 11 100

NTE: CEO Christian Stav, tel. +47 905 18 202

Statkraft: EVP Jon Brandsar, tel. +47 905 18 576

Statnett: President and CEO Auke Lont, tel. +47 416 19 626

Trønderenergi: CEO Ståle Gjersvold, tel. +47 916 13 457