Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!

Last August, the Norwegian Offshore Directorate released a resource analysis outlining three potential scenarios for future petroleum production on the Norwegian continental shelf. All scenarios indicate a significant reduction in production. According to Menon Economics, as the petroleum operations are dropping, the offshore wind industry has the potential to create many new jobs and provide significant economic value.

Offshore Norway, Norwegian Offshore Wind, Eksfin, and Innovation Norway commissioned the paper titled “Market Development for Fixed-Bottom and Floating Offshore Wind” (PDF here). The research shows that the offshore wind sector has the potential to generate 62,000 jobs by 2050, both directly within the industry and throughout its value chain. The majority of these positions are likely to be in floating offshore wind. The research emphasizes the relevance of early market entry in maximizing societal benefit. According to Menon’s study, the offshore wind business, both fixed-bottom and floating, could generate 52–139 billion NOK ($4.7–12.6 billion) by 2040.

“The report shows that the political choices we make now will be crucial to achieving the full potential for employment in offshore wind,” Arvid Nesse, CEO Norwegian Offshore Wind, said.

As one example, the paper emphasizes how delays on the Utsira Nord floating offshore wind park affect Norway’s prospective global market share. Menon conducted a similar analysis in 2022 and assessed Norway’s maximum market share in 2050 to be 13%. In this year’s analysis, it has been reduced to 11% because Norway has lost part of its advantage.

As the usage of fossil fuels causes planetary expense and loss, jobs are occasionally utilized as a thin pretext to obscure the potential for adaptation. Norway is a leader in other clean technology disciplines (and jobs); it is good to keep highlighting the jobs aspect of clean energy shifts. “Training One Million New Apprentices for Cleantech and Climate Jobs by 2035” is a related story in the United States.

“A successful commitment to industrial development tied to offshore wind will ensure that the technology and expertise built up around the oil and gas sector are carried forward. Many of the same companies will supply the offshore wind industry, and Menon’s report shows that a targeted investment in offshore wind can compensate for the expected decline in oil and gas activity,” says Hildegunn T. Blindheim, CEO of Offshore Norway.

“Norway already has a significant offshore wind industry based on expertise from oil and gas that serves international offshore wind projects. Norwegian subcontractors also benefit from major export contracts. This report highlights the importance of having a domestic market when aiming to capture further market shares,” says Tone Lunde Bakker, CEO of Eksfin.

Håkon Haugli, CEO of Innovation Norway, believes Norway has solid potential for gaining a leading global position in floating offshore wind, regardless of regional market delays.

As far as sea birds go, they are definitely paying attention. A bird camera has been tracking the floating offshore wind turbine TetraSpar at METCentre off the Norwegian coast for almost two years. No collisions with birds have been reported.