Norwegian renewable energy development company Magnora has signed an option agreement with RWE Renewables with the intention of developing the Oddeheia and Bjelkeberg wind farm in Birkenes municipality in Agder county. 

The onshore wind project will have an installed capacity of up to 98 MW when completed. Magnora's share in the project will be approximately 34 percent. The project will, according to plan, be ready-to-build in 2021 and operational in 2022. RWE Renewables is one of the major international onshore and offshore wind developers. 

“The South Norway region has a fantastic opportunity to take a leading position within development of green technologies, such as battery production, supported by a local renewable green energy industry. There are plenty of Norwegian regions that want to claim the yellow jersey for such industry development, but we understand that Birkenes municipality council is highly ambitious about their green industry plans, which is why we want to invest here,” says Torstein Sanness, working chairman of Magnora ASA.

RWE Renewables has applied to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy for a one-year permit extension This would mean that the wind farm must be in operation by 31st December 2022. A decision on the matter is expected shortly. Magnora’s participation in the project is conditional upon approval of permit extension. 

NEED FOR MORE RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE REGION

County Mayor of Agder, Arne Thomassen: “This is extremely important for our efforts to make new and clean energy available. The fact that a Norwegian company invests heavily in our region is important and will have positive effects for businesses both in Birkenes and for the whole region. I also believe that the local process has been constructive. We will need more renewable energy in the future. It is therefore important that everybody contributes.” All agreements that have already been entered into between RWE Renewables, local suppliers and local authorities will remain in force after Magnora’s investment in the project. 

Magnora originates from Arendal, South Norway, and was started in 2001. Today, the renewable energy development company has its headquarter in Oslo, but still owns office buildings in Arendal, plus Magnora’s CFO is based in Kristiansand. 

“Realising the Oddeheia and Bjelkeberg wind farm would not only create substantial values and positive ripple effects for the local community, but also position Birkenes and South of Norway for future green industry development that could potentially generate hundreds if not thousands of jobs in the coming decades. We hope to play a part of this,” adds Sanness.

Magnora recently announced the establishment of a floating wind company. The company has also recently invested in the following companies: 

• The ownership in the 500 MW offshore wind development project company Kustvind AB in Sweden. 
• The enabling technology company for solar energy, Sweden-based Evolar AB, which is developing ground breaking perovskite technology which can enable significant increase the efficiency of solar cell modules. 
• VINDR AS, the wind power development company focusing on small and medium scaled wind development projects in industrial and cultivated land.
• Recently established a joint company with a world leading offshore technology company for the development of ScotWind and the first Norwegian licensing round in offshore wind.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Magnora