Denmark has completed an initial assessment of potential new offshore wind sites off its coasts that could deliver up 18GW of new capacity.
The so-called fine screening covered the following areas that could support individual projects: North Sea 1, which is south of the upcoming Thor development; Hesselo; and Kriegers Flak 2.
The analysis, which was carried out by consultancy Cowi on behalf of the Danish Energy Agency, also covered two areas suitable for development of “continuous wind farms” that would connect to energy islands.
These areas are further out into the North Sea and near the island of Bornholm.
The North Sea 1 site, which covers 3174 square kilometres, could accommodate up to three 1GW projects, while the 247 square-km Hesselo site a 1GW development.
Kriegers Flak 2 – spilt into North and South areas – covers 173km square and could see up to a total of 1GW developed, the research said.
The areas near the island of Bornholm – designated Bornholm 1 and 2 – cover 732 square km in total and could deliver between 2GW and 3GW of projects.
The North Sea area further off the coast are designated as North Sea 2 and 3 and as North Sea 2 and 3 West.
The area could accommodate offshore capacity up to 10GW, the research found.
DEA said the analysis found it is possible to develop projects in all the areas assessed.
However, the agency said a more detailed analysis of sub-areas at Bornholm and Kriegers Flak should be carried out to assess the impact of projects on seabirds.
The results from the fine screening will form part of the further preparatory work on the development of offshore wind in Denmark.
More details of the analysis can be found here.