Gulen

Overview

Gulen municipality is seeing substantial energy development activity, led by the Skipavika industrial area where two concessions support a planned ammonia factory with up to 260 MW of power demand — a landmark green hydrogen/ammonia project in the region. Alongside this industrial drive, the municipality hosts active offshore wind testing infrastructure, a small hydropower project, and a Statnett grid reinforcement spanning Fensfjorden. Historical wind projects (Dalsbotnfjellet and Brosviksåta) were rejected or withdrawn, signalling some regulatory headwinds for large-scale onshore wind, though industrial electrification and hydrogen are clearly gaining traction.

Recent Activity

In July 2026, the BKK 132 kV Sandøy–Raunholmen grid connection case (20515) was reopened for public hearing (Høring), bringing renewed scrutiny to the 260 MW ammonia plant power supply infrastructure at Skipavika. This is the most significant recent development and indicates the project is advancing through the final regulatory stages.

Key Substations

Municipality Stance

Gulen appears open to large-scale industrial energy development, particularly green hydrogen/ammonia at Skipavika industrial park. However, onshore wind has faced setbacks — the 150 MW Dalsbotnfjellet project was denied by OED on appeal in 2021, and Brosviksåta was withdrawn by the developer — suggesting a more cautious regulatory environment for conventional wind farms while industrial electrification projects progress smoothly.

Outlook

Gulen's near-term outlook is dominated by the potential realisation of the Skipavika ammonia factory, which would represent one of the largest single consumption points in the region at 260 MW. If the ammonia project proceeds, it will likely drive further grid investment and may attract complementary industrial or hydrogen-related development. The 18 MW Gulavind offshore wind turbine, positioned as a test and certification facility, could also establish Gulen as a reference site for Norwegian offshore wind technology. No active grid queue reservations are present, so developers should engage early with BKK Nett regarding available capacity at Frøyset and Sandøy/Raunholmen substations.