3 minute read Global offshore wind leader Orsted (ORSTED.CO) is joining a consortium with renewable energy firms Fred. Olsen Renewables and Hafslund Eco to develop offshore wind in Norway and bid in upcoming award rounds, the firms said on Wednesday. For the first time Norway is opening two offshore areas to build wind farms, called Utsira Nord and Soerlige Nordsjoe II, expected to produce up to 4.5 gigawatts of power. read more The consortium would bid for both areas. Soerlige Nordsjoe II is suitable for bottom-fixed turbines, while Utsira Nord is suitable for floating wind turbines, a new technology. "The consortium has the aim to deliver both bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind power, while developing the Norwegian supply chain for the expected large-scale build-out of offshore wind in Norway and in Europe," the firms said in a statement.