The European Commission has awarded transmission system operators Energinet.dk in Denmark and 50Hertz in Germany an amount up to Euros 150 million in support of the establishment of an offshore power grid at Kriegers Flak. This Grant Agreement, as it is called, was concluded under the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) on the condition that the project obtains the necessary authority approvals and permissions in Denmark and Germany.
Kriegers Flak is a shallow area of water bounded by Denmark, Germany and Sweden, and is particularly suitable for the erection of large offshore wind farms. The international project involves setting up a combined grid solution, which makes it possible to connect offshore wind farms to an offshore power grid connecting Denmark and Germany. Sweden can also be connected to this grid at a later stage.
“The project has received much attention on the international scene as it may serve as a model for future offshore power grids in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the Mediterranean. The project will also strengthen the trade of electricity between Denmark and Germany”, said Energinet.dk vp Peter Jørgensen.
“The project will improve security of supply, strengthen competition on the electricity market to the benefit of the consumers, and help to realise the ambitious goals of expanding renewable energy in Europe”, said Gert Schwarzbach, md of 50Hertz Offshore.
•In its Energy Programme for Recovery, the EU has earmarked a total of EUR 3.98bn for electricity and gas infrastructure, offshore wind farms and carbon storage and capture. The EEPR for Recovery finances ‘intelligent investments’, i.e. provides financial support aimed at boosting economy and occupation through targeted investments in infrastructure projects of central importance to the EU to achieve it energy and environmental policy goals.
