About wind power
We harness the wind. Together.
Aneo is built on 70 years of renewable energy development, in collaboration with local communities. We are among Norway's most experienced players in wind power, producing clean electricity that ensures supply and value creation for the future.
our perspective on wind power
The power we build the future on
We develop wind power with a clear purpose: to contribute to a secure, renewable, and future-oriented energy supply. We have extensive experience in building, owning, and operating wind farms – in collaboration with local communities where the power is generated and values are created.
Wind power not only provides clean energy – it enhances energy security, enables new industries, and contributes to Norway's climate transition. That's why we build to stay, taking responsibility every step of the way from planning to production.
A proud history
We are small - and big. At the same time. We have the expertise of the big players and the agility of the small ones, you might say. Here are some good reasons why Aneo is the right partner for local communities that want to develop wind power.
01 Wind power is an affordable energy source
Onshore wind power is the cheapest way to produce new electricity in Norway, with a cost of approximately 42 øre/kWh. In comparison, hydropower costs 43 øre/kWh, while offshore wind and nuclear power are significantly more expensive.
Comparison of energy costs
Source: NVE – Costs of power production
02 Norway's unique wind conditions
Norway has some of the best wind conditions in Europe. A small increase in wind speed can have significant effects, allowing us to produce up to three times more power per unit area than in Germany. Moreover, we have hydropower reservoirs that can store energy when it's very windy, providing a unique opportunity to balance the power system.
Economic Benefits for Municipalities and Landowners
Strong Revenues from Wind Power
Wind power generates local value through property taxes and production fees. A wind turbine with a capacity of 5 MW can contribute 600,000–700,000 kroner per year to the municipality. Consequently, a wind farm with 20 turbines can provide 12–14 million kroner in annual revenue.
Agreements with Landowners
Landowners in planned development areas enter into agreements for leasing land, where the terms are adapted to local conditions such as wind resources and investment costs.
Create activity and jobs
We are committed to creating activity in the host communities we operate in and utilizing local contractors and suppliers. Our previous development projects have demonstrated that we have been successful in this endeavor. From experience, we observe a significant increase in activity in the host communities while we are constructing a wind farm. The construction phase typically lasts 2-3 seasons, depending on the size of the power plant. The extensive construction activities during this phase also lead to a demand for additional supplies, such as fuel and other services from the service industry. Once the wind farm is completed and ready for operation, we aim to employ local labor. Experiences indicate that a significant portion of the deliveries and services during the operational phase comes from local players, such as snow removal, road and building maintenance, accommodation, mechanical workshops, car repair shops, and fuel supply.
community experience with wind power
Collaboration in Selbu
In close collaboration with Selbu Municipality, Stokkfjellet wind farm has made beautiful mountain and hiking areas more accessible to the general public.
Ripple Effects in Åfjord
Åfjord has reversed many trends of traditional rural municipalities in recent years and credits much of its positive development to the wind power that has been constructed.
processing procedure for wind power
It is each individual municipality that decides whether it wants to facilitate wind power in its municipality. The process for wind power development is very extensive to ensure as solid a knowledge base as possible for making a qualified decision.
Establishing a wind power plant requires both plan clarification under the Planning and Building Act (PBL) and a permit under the Energy Act. The host municipality is the responsible authority under the PBL, and it is the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) that is the responsible authority under the Energy Act.
Both the PBL and the Energy Act were amended in 2023 to make clear that it is the municipality that is in the driver's seat in the process. Before an application for a permit can be submitted for an area, an impact assessment must be prepared. The host municipality has the option to stop the process at several points, both before and after the impact assessment has been carried out.
The municipality
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Area requirements for wind power
We develop renewable energy with care for nature and society. Our land-use guidelines ensure that we assess climate and environmental impacts early in project development – for both solar and wind power. This gives us a structured approach that aligns with our sustainability policy, stricter regulatory requirements, and international commitments such as the Nature Agreement (COP15).
Wind power is a type of development where the impacts are comparable from project to project. NVE has compiled both direct and indirect land use from Norwegian wind farms on its website.
Through clear principles, decision-making tools, and a fixed process for technical assessments of nature, we work to avoid unnecessary interventions and minimize impact. The guidelines help us make wise choices that balance the need for more renewable energy with respect for nature. We will continue to develop and improve these guidelines so that we always have the best tools to ensure responsible and sustainable land use.
Download land use guidelines (norwegian)