Transmission system operators Elia Group, Energinet and 50Hertz signed cooperation agreements at the WindEurope Electric City 2021 conference in Copenhagen, committing to establishing cross-border electricity connections to and from the Danish energy islands in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Energinet and Elia Group signed an agreement related to the connection of the Danish energy island in the North Sea to Belgium. 50Hertz and Energinet signed an agreement for the connection of the Danish energy island Bornholm in the Baltic Sea to Germany. These agreements will bring the electricity interconnections closer to realization.
A meshed grid connected to several countries is important to transport renewable energy from the large offshore wind farms and energy islands to consumers around Europe and also crucial in providing the greatest possible value in relation to zero carbon electricity.
"I see the cooperation agreement as a big step towards Danish energy islands becoming a reality and with huge gains for a greener Europe. Today's agreements show not only that the whole idea of energy islands and connections to several countries is a good idea, but also that the countries are very keen to implement the huge offshore wind projects. It's a big day that brings the energy islands with neighboring countries one important step closer" - Thomas Egebo, CEO, Energinet.
The TSOs will cooperate on the feasibility studies and business cases on the interconnection projects that will be used to obtain national approvals in Germany, Belgium and Denmark. Upon completion, the interconnections will provide security of supply and help the industry decarbonize.
