Finnmark wind power application deadline extended to January

The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has extended the application deadline for wind power concessions in Finnmark by three months. Companies seeking to develop wind power in the region now have until January 31 to submit their applications, moving the deadline from November 1.

The delay is due to incomplete impact assessments, specifically regarding the effects on reindeer husbandry. NVE director Inga Nordberg stated that while progress on the government’s power initiative for Finnmark is important, the extra time may result in a better knowledge base for assessing environmental and social impacts.

These wind power projects are part of a government commitment to increase power capacity in Finnmark. This initiative was promised in 2023 to compensate for the increased electricity demand from Equinor’s Melkøya gas plant electrification. The project has also been subject to legal scrutiny, as the Sami Parliament (Sametinget) has challenged the state regarding consultation processes for the Melkøya project.