Technology & Process

At Nordic Wind, every wind power project undergoes a thorough, transparent, and sustainable development process, from early feasibility studies to responsible decommissioning. This ensures that every turbine we build serves both people and the environment effectively throughout its entire lifecycle.

Area Screening / Feasibility Study

Area screening involves conducting a general survey of areas to see whether they are suitable for wind power construction. The search focuses on areas with good wind conditions and proximity to existing power grids. In addition to technical criteria such as wind resources, the search also looks for areas that are located at a distance from residential areas and important infrastructure.

An area screening can cover areas as large as entire municipalities or counties. In the early stages of an area search, it is also desirable to map known environmental values in order to identify areas with the least potential impact on environmental and social interests. These may include nature reserves, wetlands, important functional areas for plant and/or animal species, important landscapes, cultural heritage sites and cultural environments, reindeer herding areas, etc.

If the area is interesting enough, a preliminary study will be initiated with a request to landowners for a lease agreement for the property. This will involve the early involvement of affected parties.

Permitting process

Several permits are required in order to build a wind farm in Norway. The Planning and Building Act requires zoning regulations in the municipality concerned and a licence (permit) under the Energy Act in order to build and operate the facilities. Licence applications are processed by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE). In connection with the preparation of the plan and application, an environmental and social impact assessment must also be prepared.

The planning and licensing processes are governed by different legislation, but efforts are made to coordinate them as far as possible. Once the planning programme and notification have been processed, an assessment programme for the project is established. This programme defines what environmental and social impacts of the project are to be assessed and forms the basis for the content of the impact assessment. The programme will be based on formal requirements for assessments in accordance with the Impact Assessment Regulations, comments received during the consultation period for the notification/planning programme, and the authorities' own assessments and requirements for obtaining information relevant to the decision.

Once the impact assessment has been completed, an application for a licence and a proposal for area regulation will be submitted. Once the authorities have the information they need, a decision will be made. The municipality will adopt a zoning plan and NVE will grant a construction licence for the project, which is a permit to build and operate the facility. The permits may be appealed by anyone with a legal interest in the case. In the event of an appeal, the case will be reviewed by the appeals body.

After the ESIA is completed, an application for a license and a proposal for area zoning are submitted. Once the authorities have the necessary information, a decision is made. The municipality adopts the area zoning plan, and NVE grants a facility license, which is the permit to build and operate the plant.

These permits can be appealed by anyone with legal standing in the case. If appealed, the case will be reconsidered by the appeals body. Before construction begins, the developer must also prepare a detailed construction plan, showing how environmental and landscape concerns will be addressed during the construction phase.

Throughout the planning and licensing processes, consultations and public hearings will be held at multiple stages. These are organized by the affected municipality and NVE. In addition to official consultations and hearings, Nordic Wind will also arrange meetings with local stakeholders to provide updates on the project.

Construction and Operation

Construction can begin once the area zoning plan and facility license with an approved detailed construction plan are finalized, and any appeals regarding the decisions have been resolved. During the licensing process and the development of the detailed plan, more in-depth planning of the wind power plant is carried out. This includes selecting the type of wind turbine to be built, followed by technical investigations such as geotechnical studies. The placement of turbines and the routes for access roads to the turbines are determined.

Once the wind turbines begin producing electricity, they are closely monitored to ensure optimal performance and compliance with all requirements. This is done using technical tools that allow real-time monitoring, as well as through regular on-site inspections. All activities are documented and followed up. Authorities also ensure that the facility complies with regulations, including through regular inspections. If the authorities have set conditions in the permits requiring follow-up environmental studies (e.g., monitoring of bird populations), these will be included in the operational phase.

Decommissioning and Restoration

When the wind turbine reaches the end of its operational life, planning for decommissioning begins. This often involves a thorough assessment of the area to determine the best methods for dismantling and removing the infrastructure. Wind turbines, foundations, and other infrastructure such as roads and electrical cables are removed.

Restoration of the area is also a key part of the process. The site will be restored to its natural state as much as possible.