Elia Group Study Calls for Enhanced European Cooperation to Maximize Offshore Wind Power Potential

Elia Group Study Calls for Enhanced European Cooperation to Maximize Offshore Wind Power Potential

(IN BRIEF) The Elia Group’s new study, “Going like the Wind”, emphasizes the need for stronger cross-border cooperation among European nations to unlock the full potential of offshore wind power in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Irish Sea, and parts of the Atlantic. The study estimates that 500 GW of energy could be economically harnessed, leading to significant cost savings compared to other energy sources. To achieve this, EU countries, Norway, and the UK must collaborate on joint financing, spatial planning, and grid connections.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS/BERLIN, 19-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A new study by the Elia Group, parent company of 50Hertz, emphasizes the need for increased cross-border cooperation among European nations to fully harness the potential of offshore wind power. Authored by the Elia Group, the study, titled “Going like the Wind”, reveals that a connected load of approximately 500 GW could be economically utilized from the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Irish Sea, and parts of the Atlantic. This vast potential, if realized, could significantly reduce the costs associated with energy generation compared to other sources.

However, the study highlights that this potential can only be unlocked if EU member states, along with Norway and the UK, enhance their collaboration. Key areas for cooperation include joint financing mechanisms, integrated spatial planning across national borders, and optimized use of sea areas that consider factors such as wake losses and cross-border grid infrastructure.

Produced in collaboration with a wide range of research institutions, companies, associations, and NGOs—including German organizations like Agora Energiewende, BDEW, Max Planck Institute, Siemens Energy, and WWF—the study stresses that coordinated efforts are essential for achieving the full benefits of offshore wind power.

About Elia Group
One of Europe’s top five TSOs Elia Group is a key player in electricity transmission. We ensure that production and consumption are balanced around the clock, supplying 30 million end users with electricity. Through our subsidiaries in Belgium (Elia) and the north and east of Germany (50Hertz), we operate 19,460.5 km of high-voltage connections, meaning that we are one of Europe’s top 5 transmission system operators. With a reliability level of 99.99%, we
provide society with a robust power grid, which is important for socioeconomic prosperity. We also aspire to be a catalyst for a successful energy transition, helping to establish a reliable, sustainable and affordable energy system.

We are making the energy transition happen
By expanding international high-voltage connections and incorporating ever-increasing amounts of renewable energy into our grid, we are promoting both the integration of the European energy market and the decarbonisation of society. We also continuously optimise our operational systems and develop new market products so that new technologies and market parties can access our grid, thus further facilitating the energy transition.

In the interest of society
As a key player in the energy system, Elia Group is committed to working in the interest of society. We are responding to the rapid increase in renewable energy by constantly adapting our transmission grid. We also ensure that investments are made on time and within budget, with a maximum focus on safety. In carrying out our projects, we manage stakeholders proactively by establishing two-way communication channels between all relevant parties very early on in the development process. We also offer our expertise to different players across the sector in order to build the energy system of the future.

International focus
In addition to its activities as a transmission system operator, Elia Group provides consulting services to international customers through its subsidiary Elia Grid International. In recent years, the Group has launched new non-regulated activities such as re.alto – the first European marketplace for the exchange of energy data via standardised energy APIs – and WindGrid, a subsidiary which will continue to expand the Group’s overseas activities, contributing to the development of offshore electricity grids in Europe and beyond.

Media Contact:

Elia Group:
Corporate Communication
Marleen Vanhecke (EN)
M +32 486 49 01 09
marleen.vanhecke@elia.be

50Hertz:
Volker Gustedt
Press Officer
Phone: +49 (0) 30 51 50 2878
Mail: volker.gustedt@50hertz.com

SOURCE: 50Hertz