7 October 2024
Interview with Kevin O’Donovan, Statkraft
Can you tell our readers about your organisation?
Statkraft is probably best known for being a Norwegian hydropower player; we are less well known for our strong track record in other renewable technologies. We’re Europe’s largest producer of renewable power. We’re the largest wind operator in the Nordics. We built the world’s first grid stabilisation project using synchronous compensators. And we are a major player in energy market operations; trading in more than 21 countries.
At Statkraft we have been developing wind energy in Europe for over 20 years. Currently, we operate more than 100 onshore wind farms in Europe and South America, with a total installed capacity of 3.2 GW. We are the largest owner and operator of onshore wind power assets in the Nordics, rank among the top 10 operators in Germany and Spain and are one of the leading developers in Ireland and the UK. In recent years, our international onshore wind pipeline outside the Nordics has grown to almost 13.5 GW, and we have a clear ambition to be a major international player in solar and battery storage, with an annual development rate of 2-2.5 GW.
When it comes to offshore wind, our strategy focuses on Northern Europe, where we have ambitions to take a leading role as both a developer and operator. We have already contributed to the development of 6.5 GW in the UK offshore wind sector across four projects. In Ireland, the North Irish Sea Array (NISA) is in the first phase of projects going through the consenting process. Looking ahead, our goal is to develop 6-8 GW of offshore wind by 2040, with a focus on competitive-scale developments in markets where we are already established, while continuing to seek new opportunities with partners.Through all of this, we are not just driving renewable energy growth. We are creating jobs, supporting local communities, improving biodiversity, reducing pollution, reducing costs to consumers, and building a more stable energy system that supports economic growth.
What are the most exciting developments you have seen in the wind industry?
We have seen strong commitment from policymakers across Europe to meet climate and energy targets. Governments have stepped up by setting ambitious goals to achieve net zero and significantly ramp up renewable energy production. This is crucial for the wind industry. Clear and reliable policy frameworks are essential for the wind industry’s growth, giving developers and investors the confidence and stability they need to commit to long-term projects. Without this policy certainty, the risk of delays and financial uncertainty increases, which slows down the expansion of renewable energy.
If that policy certainty isn’t there, the whole process slows down – projects get delayed, financial risk increases and it becomes a lot tougher to drive projects forward.
One of the most recent developments is the new Labour Government in the UK, who have started to move at pace, sending some really positive signals to the renewables sector, including the ambition for the UK to become a ‘Clean Energy Superpower’ by 2030, and specifically the lifting of the onshore wind ban in England.We have also seen the creation of a new Onshore Wind Industry Task Force by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, which is designed to kick-start onshore in England, but also seeks to unlock a large amount of shovel-ready capacity in Scotland where there is great potential to accelerate toward the UK’s new ambitious goal to decarbonise electricity by 2030.
What changes would you like to see in the wind industry?
European policymakers have done a lot to push renewable energy forward to drive the energy transition, but now it is time to shift focus from just crafting policies to effective implementation. One of the biggest barriers to faster wind energy deployment is the slow, complicated permitting process. While some member states are accelerating their efforts, wind energy deployment remains uneven, and grid bottlenecks continue to delay projects. At a time when the planning provisions under RED III should already be in place, these delays are holding back progress. WindEurope’s autumn wind energy data highlights that the slow pace of implementation remains a significant roadblock. Now, it is essential to demonstrate clear support for wind energy and accelerate the permitting processes. We need to put policy into practice. True progress comes from allocating resources to planning authorities, system operators and regulators to streamline processes and address bottlenecks. Rather than focusing solely on policy reforms, Europe should focus on helping those in charge of implementation succeed.
And let’s not forget about grids and flexibility. The future of wind energy development hinges on addressing grid limitations and enhancing system flexibility. Europe has underinvested in its grids, causing long connection delays and insufficient capacity for new wind projects. Alongside upgrading the transmission network, we need more flexibility, such as with energy storage and smart grid technologies. These will be essential for incorporating more wind power into the grid.
How has WindEurope membership benefited your organisation?
WindEurope is a valuable partner for Statkraft. It is a place where all the key players in the wind energy space come together, from developers to suppliers, creating a platform for meaningful discussions and new partnerships. Whether through working groups or networking events, the access to vital information and connections is of great value to us. WindEurope’s ability to voice the concerns of the industry and push for better policy is a vital part of its work, which we all benefit from. We are excited to continue our collaboration and take part in shaping the future of wind energy in Europe. A particularly important aspect of WindEurope’s work is the roll-out of the EasyPermits software package that would help digitalise the entire permitting process for wind projects.
If we look ten years ahead, what do you hope to have achieved?
At Statkraft we have been making clean energy possible for over a century – energy that the world needs now more than ever. This is why we invest 100% of our growth into renewables, because we believe renewable energy can power every industry, every business, every community and every home. Statkraft’s ambition is clear. We aim to be a leading international renewable energy company, creating value by enabling a net-zero future through our vision: to renew the way the world is powered.
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