Denmark has taken further steps to advance the development of so-called energy islands in the North and Baltic Seas.
The Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Public Utilities said a decision has been made to locate offshore wind farms totalling 2GW 20km to the south and south-west of the island of Bornholm off Ronne in the Baltic Sea
Bornholm will function as the physical energy island.
Meanwhile, feasibility studies are starting to determine to the final location of a 3GW energy island in the North Sea at least 60km west of Thorsminde.
The final decision on the location of the North Sea energy island will take place no later than the spring of 2021, the government said.
The Danish Energy Agency and transmission system operator Energinet will also start preparations for the detailed studies of the seabed and the impact of the islands and offshore wind turbines on the environment.
These assessments are expected to be completed in 2024.
Both energy islands, which could also include power-to-x, will be connected to other countries.
Danish Minister of Climate Dan Jorgensen said: “We are now entering a new era in the Danish wind adventure, and I would like to thank the other parties in the agreement for a good collaboration on the location of the world’s first two energy islands.
“The energy islands will help to increase the amount of renewable energy significantly, and at the same time we will make it possible to transform the green power into fuels for heavy transport both on land, at sea and in the air.
“In other words, the energy islands supply the green electricity, which is the prerequisite for the climate-neutral Denmark and Europe of the future.”