Turbine family could soon expand at METCentre

Each project may receive up to NOK 2 billion in funding. The total allocation for this call will depend on the quality of applications and Enova’s overall funding priorities. Final decisions are expected in spring 2026.

Focus on cost reductions and technology development

The proposed demonstration projects include between one and five floating wind turbines. The applicants aim to test and demonstrate new technologies, particularly related to floating foundations and mooring systems. These components are considered critical to reducing costs and improving the commercial viability of floating offshore wind at scale.

In recent years, offshore wind development has faced rising material costs and global supply chain challenges. Nevertheless, the number and scope of applications indicate continued industrial commitment to advancing floating offshore wind in Norway.

Potential expansion at METCentre

Several of the five applicants are planning projects to be realized at METCentre, Norway’s national test site for floating offshore wind. The test centre has been systematically developed over many years, including grid infrastructure and designated offshore areas.

METCentre Director Cecilia Girard-Vika welcomes the strong interest:

We are very pleased with the strong interest in the programme. It demonstrates that floating offshore wind is now taking a significant step forward in Norway. For many years, we have worked systematically to prepare the METCentre offshore wind site outside Karmøy to host the next generation of floating wind technologies. We are now eagerly awaiting the outcome of the competition, and we hope for the projects with secured site and grid capacity to win this competition. In this way METCentre will play a central role in bringing these projects to realization and into the water, enabling the next phase of technology development and cost reductions to accelerate.

If one or more of the applicants are awarded support, the turbine “family” installed offshore Karmøy could soon expand.

Large Global Potential

Energy Minister Terje Aasland and Enova’s Head of Offshore Wind Oskar Gärdeman have both emphasized that floating offshore wind represents a significant opportunity for Norway. Increased renewable power production, new opportunities for the supplier industry and progress toward a low-emission society are highlighted among the key benefits.

Floating offshore wind is also considered essential for unlocking offshore wind resources in deeper waters worldwide. Approximately 80 percent of the global offshore wind potential is located in areas too deep for bottom-fixed installations, which are typically limited to depths of 60–70 meters. Floating solutions make it possible to harness wind resources further offshore, where wind conditions are often stronger and visual impact from shore is reduced.

If cost reductions and technology development continue, floating offshore wind could play a key role in strengthening Norway’s position as an offshore energy nation, while supporting the transition toward emission-free industry and transport.

And these Enova support applicants may be the keys to unlock this potential.