Five of the 7 groups that sought to take part in Norway's first industrial wind farm tender have actually been approved to participate in the auction that starts on March 18, the nation's energy ministry said on Friday.

The 5 groups consist of a consortium between Aker Offshore Wind, BP and Statkraft, another between Equinor and RWE, a joint project proposed by Shell, Lyse and Eviny, a cooperation between Parkwind and Ingka, and Energie Baden-Wurttemberg.

The ministry said it would go on with the process despite being entrusted less than the 6 potential bidders it previously stated were required for it to run a subsequent auction for the rights to build the wind farm.

We have decided to continue, Energy Minister Terje Aasland stated in a declaration. I anticipate a great auction in between these companies.

Chinese wind turbine maker Mingyang Smart Energy stopped working to certify, as did the business Hydroelectric Corporation. The ministry did not say why the 2 were neglected.

The tender uses the chance to construct bottom-fixed wind turbines in the North Sea with a capability of 1.5 gigawatts (GW),. in what Norway hopes will be the beginning point for enormous. offshore power developments in the years leading up to 2040.

The worldwide offshore wind industry has actually been. struggling with soaring costs, and some experts have questioned. whether the 23 billion Norwegian crowns ($ 2.18 billion) of. subsidies available will be enough to attract bids in the auction. itself.

Shell stated this week it has not yet chose whether to bid. even if it qualified, as there were questions over the task's. success.