|
contents | business | |||||||||
| Large onshore investment in Norway may set new standard for cost of energy in wind power  Almost 500 wind turbines and their common grid connection are planned and permitted along the coast of Trøndelag. As the Owner's Engineer, Ramboll plays a key role as the leading developer in the region gets ready to negotiate terms with turbine suppliers and contractors.So far Norway has not developed many renewable energy projects under the recently established support scheme. However, new wind farm permits on the coast of Trøndelag in central Norway may contribute to a major leap forward. Sarepta Energi AS, holding about half of the licenses, has chosen Ramboll as the Owner's Engineer for the procurement of turbines as well as civil and electromechanical works. Cost of energy Market prices on electricity and renewable electricity certificates represent a challenge to investments in wind energy, but excellent wind resources in the region as well as a rapid turbine technology development make way for optimism. To trigger investments under the present framework conditions, wind energy projects must demonstrate an attractive level of cost of energy. This calls for a high focus on reducing cost and maximising output. As the Owner's Engineer, Ramboll offers a range of competencies in turbine technology, wind farm development and procurement that are essential when optimising projects in a life cycle perspective. "Looking at the last decade or so, the Nordic electricity price outlook is now at an all-time low, something which new projects must take into account. Ramboll's competencies are essential in this aspect. We now have a strong record of wind farm development in Norway, and as the Owner's Engineer we bring to the table the necessary expertise to reduce life cycle cost per energy unit to a minimum. We are definitely seeing a positive development in energy yield from Norwegian wind farms, partly due to improvements in technology and competence. I strongly believe that there is a potential for setting a new standard when it comes to cost of energy from wind power in some of the projects we are looking at in Norway right now. It is vital in order to reach investment decisions", says Per Ove Skorpen, Country Manager of Ramboll Energy. Creating local opportunities Sarepta Energi AS has investment plans worth EUR 850 million (NOK 7 billion) over the next five years. This figure more than doubles when neighbouring wind farms and the common grid connection are taken into account. All together this may well become one of the largest investments made onshore in Norway through all time. Sarepta's project will not only supply an equivalent of 10,000 households with climate friendly energy, but will also help trigger other significant investments in the region within wind power and transmission. It will entail great business opportunities for local contractors within civil structures and electrical systems. write your comments about the article :: © 2014 Construction News :: home page |