The Danish Energy Agency (DEA) has put on hold the tender for the up to 1200MW Hesselo offshore wind farm in order to carry out further analysis of the seabed at proposed site.
DEA said that there is a need to analyse the results of the preliminary site investigation further as soft clay formations had been found in the upper 20 to 30 metres below the seabed in large parts of the area selected for the project.
“The results appear to indicate less favourable site conditions than initially specified in the fine screening report, which may cause technical challenges in relation to installation,” the agency said.
DEA added that external consultants are conducting further laboratory analyses to fully assess the strength properties of the top soil in the area.
The agency said: “These analyses are expected to be concluded in the fall of 2021 after which the DEA intends to initiate a new market dialogue to discuss the consequences of the results with the market players.
“Following the results of market dialogue and analyses, all input will be considered and the further tender process will be decided.”
The preliminary site investigations have been conducted by the Danish transmission system operator Energinet.
DEA said the preliminary data is based on 40 cone penetration tests conducted within the 247km square area.
However, Energinet said the postponement of the tender will not have an impact on its work with feasibility studies, which will continue according to schedule.