Accelerating Offshore Wind in the Nordics examines how offshore wind deployment can be made faster, more predictable and more cost-effective across the Nordic region. The report reviews current licensing and permitting practices in eight Nordic jurisdictions and identifies the key barriers slowing down project development.

The analysis shows that clear political targets, stable and transparent regulatory frameworks, and better coordination between authorities are critical to reducing risk, delays and costs. The report also highlights the importance of early access to site and environmental data, streamlined consultation processes and support schemes aligned with policy ambitions.

Drawing on Nordic experience and international best practice, the report presents seven concrete recommendations to accelerate offshore wind deployment. It provides a practical basis for action for policy-makers, public authorities and companies working to scale up offshore wind in line with climate, energy security and industrial objectives.

Offshore wind energy capacity in Europe, current and under construction
Source: 4C offshore wind farms database
Cumulative offshore wind energy capacity in Europe, in operation and under construction, 1995–2027
Source: 4C offshore wind farms database
Technical potential for offshore wind energy capacity in Europe, in GW
Source: World Bank. Russia (13,700 GW), Albania (6 GW), Montenegro (1 GW) and Cyprus (0.004 GW) have been excluded. Not all countries are considered in the estimates by the World Bank, e.g., Åland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.