Development of the Sørlige Nordsjø II offshore wind project could directly and indirectly employ 2,100 people in Agder and create ripple effects worth NOK 7.9 billion for the region, according to a new analysis from PwC.

In addition, the operational phase could employ a further 1,250 people directly and indirectly and generate NOK 4.3 billion more in value creation.

“Norway’s first large-scale wind farm will have a formidable effect on Agder. Sørlige Nordsjø II will create new jobs and secure existing jobs in many professions and industries,” says Kristian Trydal Johnsen, Project Manager Offshore Wind at GCE NODE.

DOWNLOAD: Ripple Effect Analysis Sørlige Nordsjø II (Norwegian text)

GCE NODE has played a key role in bringing together and promoting Agder as Norway’s leading offshore wind region. On behalf of GCE NODE, and with support from Agder County and the Kristiansand Chamber of Commerce, PwC has conducted a ripple effect analysis that looks at the effect that the development of Sørlige Nordsjø II could have on Agder.

“We see that offshore wind will make a strong contribution to the region’s working life and businesses,” says Johnsen.

Given that there is uncertainty related to which solutions and suppliers the project will choose, the report has described a high scenario (many suppliers from Agder) and a low scenario (fewer suppliers from Agder).

In the low scenario, Sørlige Nordsjø II will employ 750 people in Agder and generate NOK 2.7 billion in value creation. The operating phase for the low scenario estimates 950 employees and NOK 3.9 billion in value creation.

“The difference between the high and low scenarios is significant and largely related to whether an Agder port will be involved in the development of the Sørlige Nordsjø II project,” explains André Arntsen Fjelltveit, Partner at PwC and responsible for the ripple effect analysis.

“Agder should therefore come together to develop an assembly port for the wind turbines – for example in Mandal or Lyngdal. This is something we are already addressing,” says County Mayor Arne Thomassen.

With a common goal to support the creation of more jobs in Agder, the two largest industry clusters in the region – GCE NODE and Eyde Cluster – met in Kristiansand Friday.

Representing the largest industries in Agder, the administrations of the clusters have a unique understanding of the offshore supplier industry (GCE NODE) and the process industry (Eyde Cluster).

“It is always useful to meet to discuss common issues and challenges. We have ongoing joint initiatives, such as NODE Eyde Women and the Global Outlook conference during Arendalsuka – and we are always keen on learning from each other,” says Helene Fladmark, Managing Director of Eyde Cluster.

“Being the two dominant clusters, GCE NODE and Eyde are important instruments for growth in Agder. By coordinating our efforts and learning from each other, we are able to maximize the value added to all companies participating in the clusters,” says Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.

“By coordinating our efforts and learning from each other, we are able to maximize the value added to all companies participating in the clusters,” says Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.
Left-right: Stine Skagestad (Project Manager), Pål Runde (Head of Battery Norway), and Nadia Handeland (Industry Specialist).
Transition Manager Jan Helge Viste and Finance Mananger Ida Andersen at GCE NODE.

Ranold has been accepted as a participant in the GCE NODE cluster.

Offering a team of experts within fluid flow modelling and simulation services, Ranold delivers services to industries such as oil & gas, industry, aquaculture, and energy.

Ranold uses advanced mathematics to deliver operational results with clear recommendations. Projects span from specialized medical equipment to large industrial risk assessments.

Ranold is headquartered in Porsgrunn. Its CEO is Trygve Rinde and its GCE NODE contact is Marit Kleven.