Assurance provider DNV is supporting Elia Transmission Belgium on work for a new energy island that will be cable of hosting up to 3500MW of offshore wind.
DNV will undertake independent assessment of the island’s design from its Danish office.
This will, it said, provide Elia with guidance on any improvements required to minimize risk throughout its construction and operation through a combination of workshops and continuous assurance reviews.
The island will be located some 45km off the coast of Belgium and will be connected to the European mainland, the UK and the future Danish North Sea energy island.
Completion of the island is expected mid-2026. From 2026-2027, Elia will start the construction of the electrical infrastructure to connect offshore wind and allow for DC interconnectors.
Prajeev Rasiah, executive vice president for energy systems, northern europe at DNV said: “With this project, offshore wind is entering a new era. Connecting offshore wind farms to transmission hubs such as artificial energy islands will improve electricity flows across Europe and enable the development of large-scale, cost-effective, and sustainable wind production and transmission at sea.
“Using our extensive global offshore experience, we are working to de-risk the project and support the business case for the project with internal and external stakeholders to Elia, including the authorities in Belgium. Key areas of focus are North Sea conditions, environment, geotechnical and hydrodynamic considerations, concrete/steel structure evaluation, marine warranty, electrical power systems and interoperability.
“Thanks to this project, Belgium and wider Europe will have direct access to a large volume of the renewable energy needed to decarbonize its energy-intensive industry, reducing climate impact and providing locally generated renewable energy alternatives to imported fossil fuels.”