How to prepare to take part in the offshore wind industry was the main issue at hand during a recent breakfast meeting, hosted by GCE Node and Lister Næringsforening, in Farsund.
Hans Fredrik Grøvan, Head of Lister Næringsforening, stressed that cooperation across municipal boundaries and industries is essential, if the region is to succeed in taking a position in offshore wind. He reminded participants that offshore wind development is a long-term commitment, and that it is important to position oneself as early as possible.
Gro-Anita Mykjåland, a member of the Standing Committee on Energy and The Environment in the Norwegian parliament, presented ambitious plans for offshore wind development in Norway, and emphasized the government’s willingness to back the Norwegian supplier industry. Eksfin, which is responsible for governmental loan guarantees to the business sector, has been given an extended mandate to contribute with financing to companies that developing new expertise in offshore wind.
“With a loan guarantee from us, it becomes easier for companies to secure bank loans for investments. Our tools are many,” said Linn Lie at Eksfin.
Arne Marthinsen, CEO of Einar Øgrey Farsund, challenged authorities to speed-up decision-making processes and public proceedings.
Christiane E. Skage, General Manager at Lister Nyskaping, was glad to see so many companies from the Lister region wanting to take part in this new industrial adventure.
