Denmark postpones call for construction of its energy island

The construction of the mega facility will be put out to tender in 2023, following more careful considerations about its eventual design

The Danish Energy Agency (DEA) has announced that it will delay the launch of the bid for the construction of an energy island in the North Sea – described as the country’s grandest infrastructure project. The delay in the tendering process was necessitated after detailed discussions with private energy stakeholders and experts have shown that the solution for the final design needs further consideration.

"After consulting the market, we are convinced that we are investing wisely by spending up to 12 more months on establishing a solid foundation to ensure that the energy island in the North Sea will be launched as a green flagship for future deployment of Danish offshore wind energy. Developing clever concepts takes time, but there’ll be rewards in the long run," said Mogens Hagelskær, deputy director general responsible for the energy islands.

The solution must ensure that Denmark can harvest its unique offshore wind resources in the best possible way and establish a role model for the green transition globally. 

Tweaking the energy island concept

The artificial energy island concept took legislative shape after the Danish Parliament agreed on 22 June 2020 to initiate the realization of two such facilities, with one being designed and built before the other.

The energy island will connect and distribute power from the surrounding offshore wind farms. The island will have a minimum capacity of 3 GW, with the potential for expansion to 10 GW offshore wind.

Last year, there was a consultation phase between the Danish Energy Agency and stakeholders in the sector. More than 20 private market actors and consortia have suggested innovative solutions for how to best design the energy island and the business model to prepare the concept for the future. DEA and government advisors have therefore assessed that there is a need for more time for further analysis of the market input.

Based on professional recommendations from the market and the government advisors, and within the framework of the political agreements, further work on the business model and technical concept of the energy island will now focus on a flexible island concept.

That concept gives the possibility to combine the advantages of a reclaimed island and floating platforms but without limiting the possibilities for innovative activities (e.g. P2X) and room for manoeuvres on the island within the limits set by regulation and safety requirements in force at any time.

"With a flexible reclaimed island, we’ll secure a technical island design that will be built using both known technologies. That means that it can be realised faster, with innovative and flexible solutions that can inspire globally,” added Mogens Hagelskær.

He also said that the delay will not affect the planned completion deadline, which is the year 2033.