Faroe Islands goes offshore as NIMBYISM hampers onshore wind projects

SEV, the main energy supplier in the Faroe Islands, has revealed plans to build an offshore wind farm near this European island nation’s capital Tórshavn.

The wind farm will have a capacity of between 96 MW and 120 MW.

The project will be a joint venture between Faroese energy providers and various businesses and individuals.

The wind farm will replace at least five onshore wind farms that have been planned as part of the green path towards 100 percent sustainable electricity generation by 2030, SEV said.

“An offshore wind farm would speed up the transition to sustainable electricity generation,” said Terji Nielsen R&D manager of SEV.

”In recent years, we have experienced delays of at least two of three planned onshore wind farms. The NIMBY phenomenon playing a part in these delays.”

The next step in the development of the project will be securing the necessary permits and licenses, assessing the environmental impact, and performing all the necessary surveys before entering the development and engineering stage.

If all goes as planned, the first Faroese offshore wind farm is expected to be commissioned and operational by late 2025, SEV said.