Belgian Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten,and German State Secretary Philipp Nimmermann have signed a declaration of intent to investigate the development of a hybrid interconnection between the offshore wind farms of both countries.
This initiative aims to harness and connect the enormous renewable energy potential in their waters, while contributing to an integrated offshore wind network across the entire North Sea basin.
The new interconnector would add to the ALEGrO interconnection, the first direct electrical connection between the two countries, which has been operational since 2020, and for which a follow-up project is underway.
The two countries have set clear and ambitious targets for offshore wind energy.
Belgium aims for a capacity of 6GW by 2030 and 8GW by 2040, while Germany foresees at least 30GW by 2030 and 70GW by 2045.
By joining forces, Belgium and Germany can not only stimulate innovation and progress in renewable energy, but also keep the costs of the energy transition as low as possible and strengthen robust and secure industrial value chains.
To make the most of the renewables potential of the North Sea, ministers have agreed to investigate the realization of a hybrid interconnection that connects offshore wind production capacity in a broader integrated network.
They have instructed the Belgian and German grid operators to investigate the options for this project, involving, if necessary, other countries and grid operators in the evaluation of the project.
The administrations involved and the Belgian and German TSOs will regularly discuss progress in order to submit a final report to the ministers during the next North Sea Summit.
This report should include information about the costs and benefits, the potential schedule, and any obstacles that need to be overcome.