Transmission system operators from eight Baltic states have published a regional study outlining coordinated offshore grid and wind development to 2040.
The Baltic Offshore Grid Initiative said the analysis is the first comprehensive cross-border assessment for offshore network corridors and projects in the region.
The study identifies about 13GW of new interconnectors and up to 50GW of additional offshore wind, including point-to-point links and potential hybrid hubs such as Bornholm.
It stated that modelling shows high utilisation of these connections throughout the year with reductions in system costs, price peaks and CO₂ emissions.
The study builds on national plans and the European TYNDP and highlights the growing interplay between offshore wind and hydrogen systems.
It added that the Baltic region is expected to act as a net exporter of electricity to the rest of Europe.
Sensitivity analyses assessed how differing assumptions for demand, onshore renewables and investment costs would affect infrastructure needs.
While the scale and location of offshore wind and hydrogen supply vary across scenarios, the identified interconnector projects remain robust.
The approach is positioned as a model for wider European sea basin cooperation ahead of the North Sea summit in Hamburg.
The eight Baltic TSOs are 50Hertz, AST, Elering, Energinet, Fingrid, Litgrid, PSE and Svenska Kraftnät.