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Offshore wind development processes and permitting in the Nordic Region

Offshore wind development in the Nordic Region is governed by a diverse set of national and regional regulations. While some countries have well-established permitting and tendering procedures, others are still in the early stages of developing regulatory frameworks to facilitate offshore wind projects. The following provides an overview of the permitting processes, licensing requirements and project allocation mechanisms across the Nordic countries, highlighting both similarities and divergences in governance approaches.

In Denmark, the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) serves as the primary authority for offshore wind projects, employing a “one-stop-shop” approach to streamline permitting across various agencies. Offshore wind projects can follow two routes: a tendering procedure overseen by the DEA or an open-door procedure initiated by developers. The Promotion of Renewable Energy Act provides the legal framework, affirming that the Danish state holds the rights to harness wind and water energy within its territorial waters and the EEZ. Developers must secure three sequential licences: a licence to conduct preliminary investigations, a licence to establish the offshore wind turbines, granted only if preliminary investigations show compatibility with other maritime interests, and a licence to exploit wind power for a specified duration. The DEA first conducts a preliminary Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to evaluate potential impacts during initial site selection, followed by a more detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out by the developer during construction planning. Most new offshore wind farms in Denmark are developed through a tendering process guided by political energy agreements, with the DEA announcing site-specific tenders for designated sizes.

Danish Energy Agency (n.d.-c)

In Sweden, offshore wind development is managed by the Swedish Energy Agency and governed primarily by the Environmental Code. Projects in the EEZ follow an “open-door” procedure and require permits under the Swedish Economic Zone Act and the Continental Shelf Act. Applications, including a consultation report and EIA, are referred by the government or county administration to the relevant authorities, municipalities and interest organisations for feedback. The applicant addresses these referrals and the government evaluates the application to approve or deny the activity, incorporating conditions to ensure alignment with public interests such as shipping, fishing, environmental protection and defence. A special investigator has recommended introducing a tendering procedure in the EEZ. Projects in Sweden's territorial sea areas follow a process similar to onshore wind, with an environmental permit under Chapter 9 (Environmental Code), managed by the County Administrative Board, and a permit for water activities under Chapter 11 (Environmental Code), reviewed by the Land and Environmental Court. The permit process includes an EIA, consultations with relevant authorities and organisations, early consultation with the Swedish Armed Forces and an airport obstacle analysis. Municipal approval is required if the wind farm is located within a municipality.

Government Offices of Sweden (n.d.)

In Finland, the 2025 Offshore Wind Act facilitates offshore wind development in the EEZ and ensures alignment with other marine activities. The government identifies suitable areas and manages a competitive tendering process through the Energy Authority. Successful bidders gain exclusive rights to apply for exploitation permits, conduct seabed surveys and seek necessary construction permits. In territorial waters, the seabed is state-owned and managed by Metsähallitus, which allocates offshore wind areas using its own tendering model and acts as both project developer and lessor. Construction is guided by spatial plans under the Land Use and Building Act and developers must conduct an EIA. The Finnish Energy Authority issues offshore wind farm permits, and other agencies – such as the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and regional environmental authorities – may also require permits.

Metsähallitus (n.d.-a)

In Norway, the Ministry of Energy is responsible for issuing licences for offshore wind projects, assisted by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), which provides technical expertise and approves detailed development plans. Projects within Norway’s baseline are regulated by the Energy Act, while projects beyond the baseline fall under the Offshore Energy Act. The Offshore Energy Act requires the government to officially open areas for licence applications following an SEA. It outlines licensing procedures, including EIAs, and governs the development, operation and decommissioning of offshore energy installations. Norway uses an auction-based model for project allocation.

Norwegian Offshore Directorate (2025)

In Åland, the government is developing an auction system for leasing seabed areas and granting concessions for offshore wind projects in northern maritime zones. This process forms part of the Sunnanvind project, initiated in 2021 to promote offshore wind in the region. Preparatory activities include developing land use plans, conducting environmental assessments and creating revenue models to facilitate auctioning of utilisation rights.

Government of Åland (2023)

At present, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland have no officially planned offshore wind projects or designated development areas.