Transmission system operators with interests in the Baltic Sea have struck an agreement to prepare an offshore grid to tap into an estimated 90GW of offshore wind potential across the region.
The initiative will develop common planning principles, draw up a ten-year development plan and perform studies.
Fingrid from Finland, Svenska kraftnät from Sweden, Energinet from Denmark, 50Hertz from Germany, Elering from Estonia, AST from Latvia, Litgrid AB from Lithuania are the signatories to an MoU.
Statnett from Norway will participate as an observing party.
“The signing TSOs have recognized that the Baltic Sea region has the potential to make a significant contribution towards green energy policy goals by means of offshore wind development and cross-border electricity transmission,” they said.
“An offshore grid will be part of the solution to harness the potential but lots of radial connections will also be needed.”
50Hertz chief executive Stefan Kapferer added: “Offshore wind energy in the Baltic Sea is indispensable if Europe is to achieve its stricter climate target plans.
“We must therefore also exploit all existing potential off the German Baltic coast.”