Statkraft, reckoned to be Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, plans to invest up to NOK 67 billion in hydropower and wind power in Norway in the coming years. First in line is its existing wind farms is Hitra, where Statkraft is now applying for a licence for an updated version of the wind farm originally commissioned in 2004. In parallel with the licence application, a zoning plan proposal has been submitted to the municipality of Hitra.
Statkraft currently produces around one-third of Norway’s electricity, and in line with the company’s strategy is working to further develop our generation portfolio for the future. “We are investing heavily in our hydropower plants to ensure they continue to produce when needed, and we are upgrading them to get the most out of the regulated water resources. However, if Norway is to increase electricity generation quickly, wind power is the only technology that can deliver meaningful volumes at an acceptable cost,” says Pål Eitrheim, executive VP, Nordics, at Statkraft.
After more than 20 years of operation, the Hitra wind farm has demonstrated that wind conditions are favourable. The plant generates electricity for more than 80 % of the hours in a year, with the highest output during the cold months. Repowering the wind farm is a sustainable solution that supports the energy transition.
“The licence application indicates that power generation will almost double and meet the electricity needs of nearly 16 000 Norwegian households. The new wind farm will utilise the wind more efficiently, with minimal additional impacts on nature,” Eitrheim commented.
The renewed Hitra 1, which will be surrounded by Hitra 2, will produce twice as much as today’s wind farm with around half the number of turbines. The planned 12–15 turbines, with a maximum tip height of 220 metres, will generate approximately 250 GWh per year. The turbines at today’s Hitra 1 are 110 metres high, while the turbines at Hitra 2 (commissioned in 2019) are 150 metres. Existing infrastructure will largely be reused.
This is the company’s first zoning plan proposal and licence application for repowering an existing wind farm in Norway. The project will be processed in parallel by the municipality of Hitra’s planning authority and NVE, the licensing authority.
