Ånstadblåheia wind farm is located approximately 5km west of Sortland in the Vesterålen region, west of Narvik in Nordland County, Norway. The landscape consists mainly of mountains and large fjords. Ånstadblåheia consists of 14 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 50MW. The grid connection is via underground cable to the grid station in the wind farm.

Arise is responsible for the technical, financial and commercial management of the wind farm.

VinnVind

The annual grants from the VinnVind funds aim to promote local development and activities and increase the attractiveness of living, working or visiting the areas around Ånstadblåheia wind farm. The grants can, for example, go to development of the region through sports, culture, environmental initiatives, youth activities and association activities. Sortland Municipality processes the applications for the VinnVind funds.

Icefall warning

Ånstadblåheia wind farm is located in close proximity to Ånstadblåheia Alpine Centre. Based on meteorological data, the probability of ice falling from the blades is calculated, both within the ski area and at a distance of 150–200 meters from each wind turbine. Icicles can also form on the turbine housing during the winter season, so be especially careful when staying near them.

There are several weather conditions that can cause precipitation as well as ice falling and snow from wind turbines. Situations that can cause a risk of ice falling or ice/snowfall can be caused by ice formation on the turbine blades, wet snow that settles on the blade, tower or turbine housing, or icicles that form due to freezing rain on the turbine. During the winter months, there is always a risk of ice/snow falling from the turbine housing and we therefore recommend that you avoid staying in the immediate vicinity of the turbines.

There is always uncertainty associated with meteorological forecasts and there will be situations with ice formation that are not captured by the forecast. The warning is intended as a supplement to sign information to help you assess your own risk. The forecast is updated four times a day, each box covering a six-hour period.

General advice for those planning to walk near turbines:

• The danger increases with proximity to the turbines.
• Be especially careful when starting turbines after they have been standing still.
• It is recommended not to stand directly under the turbine.
• Always keep your distance from the turbines in winter. Ice can fall from the turbine roof, which has been transformed by previous snowfall.
• Assess the weather conditions; if there is low cloud cover or fog while the temperature is around 0 degrees, there is a risk of ice on the turbine blades.
• Be careful; if there has been recent icing, there may still be ice left even after the weather has cleared.
• Keep in mind that turbines located higher up in the terrain are more susceptible to ice formation than those located lower down.
• Ice and snow from turbine blades will drift with the wind.
• If you are going to walk near a wind turbine with ice, you must do so with the wind at your back.

Report a concern or share your feedback

We welcome feedback and questions related to our projects and operations. If you would like to raise an issue, share your views, or submit a complaint, please visit our Submit Feedback or Report page to learn more about how to contact us.