A new study finds that connecting offshore wind farms in Denmark and Sweden directly to the German grid could cut system costs by several billion euros and boost electricity yields.
The analysis by the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems, commissioned by BWO and BDEW, compares national offshore wind expansion with cross-border planning, according to the associations.
It shows electricity yields could increase by up to 13 percent with offshore wind capacity in neighbouring exclusive economic zones counted towards Germany’s 70GW target by 2045, the groups said.
The study examines scenarios where up to 20GW of offshore wind is built in Danish and Swedish waters but linked to Germany through radial grid connections.
Reduced density of wind farms in the German exclusive economic zone lowers shading effects and increases full-load hours across the North Sea region.
The analysis shows higher full-load hours lead to up to 11 percent lower costs per megawatt-hour, including grid connection, while also strengthening security of supply.
“The expansion of offshore wind energy is a key pillar of energy supply in Germany and Europe,” said Hans Sohn, head of policy and communications at BWO.
“The study shows how the legally mandated target of 70 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2045 can be achieved much more cost-effectively,” Sohn added.
“Offshore wind farms in Denmark and Sweden that are directly connected to the German electricity grid increase yields, reduce system costs, and make the electricity system more robust,” he stated.
The broader geographic distribution of offshore wind generation also provides additional feed-in during periods of lower wind in Germany.
“It is positive that the German government has already agreed to this approach in its coalition agreement,” said Sohn.
“The stronger cooperation with the North Sea coastal states and the development of production-optimized areas are exactly the right direction,” he added.