Hogan Lovell OffshoreBook 2023 230809 OnlinePDF - Flipbook - Page 184
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3.2 Regulatory permits required for the
construction and operation of the
offshore wind farm and the onshore
grid connection
The primary license required to establish
an offshore wind farm in Norway is the
license to establish a production facility in
accordance with section 3-1 of the Offshore
Energy Act. Production facilities cannot be
constructed, owned, or operated without a
license from the Ministry of Petroleum and
Energy. The same applies to the modification or expansion of existing facilities.
In addition, a separate license for establishment of the offshore grid infrastructure is required subject to section 3-2 of the Offshore
Energy Act. These licenses are both issued
by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and
will typically be awarded simultaneously.
Prior to applying for a production license
and grid installation license, the developer
is required to conduct a project-specific
impact assessment. The impact assessment program needs to be approved by
the Ministry beforehand and sent for public
consultation.
Norway
Prior to the construction of a production
facility, the concessionaire shall submit a
detailed development and operation plan to
the Ministry for approval. The detailed plan
shall account for the technical, safety, and
environmental conditions and supplement
the license as far as specified.
For onshore grid infrastructure, the offshore
wind developer will need to acquire a facility
license under the Norwegian Energy Act for
electrical installations owned or operated
by the developer. The need for such license
will depend on the specific grid interface
between the developer and the relevant grid
company.
To sell electricity, the wind farm will also
need to apply for a standard trading license.
Certain other licenses or permits may be
required based on the specific project at
hand, e.g., a permit to conduct large towing
operations or create ports for assembly of
turbine foundations and towers.
