Molde

Overview

Molde's energy landscape is dominated by grid infrastructure projects, including Statnett's major 420 kV Isfjorden-Fannefjorden transmission upgrade and several 132 kV cable renewals, reflecting the area's role as a key node in Møre og Romsdal's regional grid. Active generation capacity is limited to 2.3 MW from small hydro, with a withdrawn 20 MW wind project (Kjerringlia) indicating past ambitions that did not materialise. No grid queue reservations are present, suggesting limited near-term pressure for new large-scale connections.

Recent Activity

The most notable recent activity is SalMar Farming AS receiving a grid connection concession for shore power (landstrøm) at the Seterneset aquaculture facility, granted in July 2026. This reflects growing interest in electrification of aquaculture operations in the area.

Key Substations

Municipality Stance

Molde appears receptive to grid infrastructure development, with multiple concessions granted for transmission upgrades and substation expansion. Renewable generation activity is modest; the withdrawal of the Kjerringlia wind project suggests wind development has faced obstacles, though the municipality itself has not been explicitly restrictive.

Outlook

Molde's outlook is shaped primarily by the transformative 420 kV Isfjorden-Fannefjorden transmission upgrade, which will significantly strengthen the regional grid and potentially open capacity for future industrial or renewable connections. Small-scale hydro remains the most realistic near-term generation opportunity, while the absence of grid queue activity suggests developers have not yet identified major new load or generation projects for the area.