Utility wins concession for 40 MW at Finnmark
Norwegian state utility Statkraft has won a government concession to build the Kjøllefjord wind power plant in Finnmark, expected to have a capacity of 40 MW. "Norway is serious in its aim to become a wind power nation. The plans for Kjøllefjord are the result of a broad initiative by Statkraft to employ new renewable and environmentallyfriendly energy sources," says the utility's Bård Mikkelsen. The company is considering turbines in the 2-5 MW size range. It is the company's first project in the Finnmark area, which has previously been highlighted as particularly favourable for wind power. The project will be Statkraft's third largest wind power plant. The biggest, Smøla, which will eventually have a capacity of 110 MW, was opened by King Harald last autumn, while the 55 MW plant at Hitra is under construction, due into operation next year. Construction at the NOK 320 million Kjøllefjord plant is not expected to begin until 2005.