Wind

Boost for Norwegian offshore wind as key developer names new boss

German utility EnBW insists it is committed to Norwegian market that has seen high-profile exits from tenders

Hanne Marit Strand, managing director of EnBW Offshore Wind Norway.
Hanne Marit Strand, managing director of EnBW Offshore Wind Norway.Photo: EnBW
European Editor, Recharge

German utility EnBW gave a boost to Norway's embattled offshore wind sector when it hired a new boss for its unit there and insisted it is committed to the market for the long term.

EnBW named Hanne Marit Strand as managing director for its newly-founded Norwegian offshore wind unit, saying the company plans to track Norway’s policy and market developments for a potential bid in future auctions.

Strand will “lead our efforts in Norway and build strong ties with Norwegian authorities, companies and investors”, said Holger Grubel, EnBW’s head of portfolio development in offshore wind.

The move comes after several heavyweights in the offshore wind sector such as Shell and Aker unit Mainstream Renewable Power pulled out of Norway’s upcoming floating wind tender, and Grubel in December had told Recharge the company will be highly cautious in its decisions on where to invest.
EnBW, one of Europe's most active offshore wind players, early last year had decided not to bid in Norway's auction for 1.5GW Sorlige Nordsjo 2, or southern North Sea 2 zone, citing "inadequate conditions" despite having been pre-qualified for it. Grubel later told Recharge the project would not have been financially viable according to internal calculations.

Norway wants to build 30GW of offshore wind by 2040, but the industry has been frustrated by repeated delays and scarce support for its tender for the 1.5GW Utsira North floating wind area.

Strand has worked for more than 15 years for the German-Norwegian chamber of commerce in a variety of positions, specialising in market entry and business development. She has advised companies expanding in the German and Norwegian markets and has worked to bring industries from both countries together, EnBW said.

(Copyright)

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Published 8 January 2025, 15:35Updated 9 January 2025, 08:51
EuropeNorwayEnBWFloating wind