Despite considerable uncertainty about the future of Denmark’s Open Door scheme, Vattenfall is now taking over two offshore wind projects that Green Nest Partner and Peak Wind applied for last year as part of the programme.
The two projects are expected to have a total capacity of 765MW of fossil-free electricity.
With the two new open door projects, Vattenfall is expanding its offshore wind portfolio along the Jutland coast.
The larger of the two new projects is located approximately five kilometres from Hanstholm and has an expected capacity of 450MW.
The second project is located approximately 8 kilometres from the coast at Djursland and has an expected capacity of 315MW.
Green Nest Partner and Peak Wind have developed the two projects in a joint venture called “Anker Development”.
The agreement, which transfers ownership of both projects 100% to Vattenfall, was concluded on 31 March.
However, Green Nest Partner and Peak Wind continue to develop the projects, but now in collaboration with Vattenfall.
Anker Development has applied for the two projects under the open door scheme.
The offshore wind projects can be built well before 2030, but this requires that the Danish authorities resume proceedings and that the necessary permits are received.
The open door scheme is currently put on hold due to doubts about possible problems with EU state aid rules.
Vattenfall is in the process of building Denmark’s next two offshore wind farms, Vesterhav Syd and Nord.
They will be connected to the electricity grid by the end of the year at the latest and will have a total capacity of 344MW.
Head of offshore wind development at Vattenfall Ane Mette Lysbech-Kleis said: “Vattenfall has built and operated offshore wind farms in Denmark for almost two decades, and we are today the largest operator of offshore wind in the country.
“Green Nest Partner and Peak Wind have done a very good job of maturing the two coastal projects in close dialogue with local stakeholders.
“We hope that the projects can be resumed soon, and look forward to continuing the journey with our new partners.”
Managing director of Green Nest Partner Marie Bugge Severinsen said: “We are happy to enter into a partnership with such an experienced player as Vattenfall.
“Vattenfall brings all the skills and experience needed to realize the two projects.
“This is especially needed in the construction phase, but also in relation to dealing with the current uncertainties regarding the future of the Open Door scheme.”