Energinet has awarded environmental studies assignments for its planned offshore wind energy islands to Niras and Ramboll, following a tender call.
The pair will map and study marine mammals, fish stocks and bird life at different times of the year, until 2024.
Niras will conduct environmental studies at the coming North Sea energy island approximately 80km off the western coast of Jutland, while Ramboll will perform the same studies in the Baltic Sea, where wind turbines will operate 20km off the southern coast of Bornholm.
Deliverables include preparation of a report for use in the environmental impact assessment of the plans for the energy islands in accordance with the provisions of the Danish Environmental Assessment Act and preparation of a materiality assessment in relation to whether energy islands will impact protected Natura 2000 sites.
They also include studies of flora and fauna on the seabed and of marine mammals in the area, their number and movements.
The two energy islands are to be completed in 2030, and will be able to supply 5GW of power.
Energinet energy islands vice president Hanne Storm Edlefsen said: “Renewable energy from wind turbines in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea is to help Danes and Europeans use energy without damaging the climate in the long term.
“But it’s vital that the green transition goes hand in hand with protection of nature and wildlife.
“Therefore, I’m pleased that Niras and Ramboll can now commence the very extensive offshore environmental studies at the energy islands.”
Concurrently with Energinet having awarded the environmental studies assignments, ships in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea are already in the process of mapping sea depths, objects on the seabed and the geological layers under the seabed.
Data from the geophysical investigations will be used when wind turbines, cables and other infrastructure is to be constructed to ensure a technically sustainable approach.
This data will also be included as background data for the environmental studies.
The construction of the energy islands, including wind farms, power cables on the seabed and electrical installations, is subject to the Danish Environmental Assessment Act.
The actual artificial island in the North Sea will also have its own construction act (Bill on Planning and Construction of an Energy Island in the North Sea).
A consultation procedure for the Bill is in process until 18 August 2021.