TenneT and Statnett Explore Hybrid Interconnector for North Sea Wind Energy

TenneT and Statnett Explore Hybrid Interconnector for North Sea Wind Energy

(IN BRIEF) On November 16, 2023, transmission system operators TenneT and Statnett signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to investigate the feasibility of a hybrid interconnector linking Germany and Norway in the North Sea. Instead of connecting North Sea wind farms to a single country, this interconnector would parallell link both countries. This collaborative project aims to leverage the complementary wind profiles of Germany and Norway. During periods of low wind in the German North Sea, wind energy can be imported from Norway, enhancing supply security for both nations. Tim Meyerjürgens, COO of TenneT, highlighted the importance of cross-border offshore grids for the future, citing their successful collaborations on projects like NorNed and NordLink. Statnett’s investigation also considers Denmark, the UK, and Belgium as potential connection points, offering a robust grid solution for future offshore wind farms on the Norwegian shelf. TenneT is actively involved in other hybrid interconnector projects, including LionLink with the UK’s National Grid and connections between the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. The development of a shared European offshore grid hinges on technical, regulatory, and economic adaptations. The North Sea is poised to become Europe’s primary energy supplier, providing 300 GW of green electricity by 2050, as collaboration between transmission system operators, like TenneT and Statnett, advances sustainable cross-border energy futures.

(PRESS RELEASE) ARNHEM, 17-Nov-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The transmission system operators TenneT and Statnett signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibilities of a hybrid interconnector between Germany and Norway in the North Sea. With this connection, the two TSOs would not connect North Sea wind farms in one country, as is currently the case, but would connect it in parallel to Norway and Germany. A hybrid project could be beneficial for both countries, as the wind profiles of Germany and Norway complement each other very well. For example, when there is no wind in the German North Sea, wind energy can be imported from Norway – and vice versa. This would increase the security of supply for both countries.

Tim Meyerjürgens, COO of TenneT, says: “The MoU with Statnett is an important milestone for the cross-border offshore grid in the North Sea. Only by jointly exploiting the potential of the North Sea can we achieve an efficient and robust offshore grid in the future. Our successful cooperation on NorNed and NordLink has shown that TenneT and Statnett are the right partners to drive forward pioneering projects.”

The Norwegian Transmission System Operator, Statnett’s investigation work also cover the entire North Sea region and include Denmark, the UK and Belgium as possible alternative connection points in addition to Germany. This investigation can serve as a basis for a hybrid interconnector as an alternative grid solution for the announcement of new offshore wind farms on the Norwegian shelf that are planned in 2025. Germany is an interesting partner because of its already well-developed offshore capacities.

TenneT is involved in the realisation of further hybrid interconnectors: TenneT is currently working with the UK’s National Grid on the LionLink, a link between the UK and the Netherlands. At the same time, TenneT is investigating international connections between the Netherlands and Belgium and between Germany and the Netherlands. A future cooperation with Statnett would complete TenneT’s portfolio in the North Sea and contribute to a European offshore grid.

However, Meyerjürgens warns that the European development of the North Sea still requires technical and legal specifications: “It is essential that the technical, regulatory and economic framework for a shared European offshore grid is quickly adapted. This is the only way to ensure that the first hybrid projects can be successfully commissioned in the 2030s.”

Energy from the North Sea has enormous potential and plays a crucial role in Europe’s energy transition. The North Sea is expected to become Europe’s largest energy supplier by 2050, providing 300 GW of green electricity. Statnett has therefore signed Memorandums of Understanding with other transmission system operators in addition to TenneT, including Elia, Energinet, Amprion and National Grid. The cooperation between TenneT and Statnett is an important step towards a sustainable and cross-border energy future between Germany and Norway. Further information and progress is expected as the investigations continue.

Media Contact:

Ina-Isabelle Haffke
Spokesperson – Grid expansion Onshore Southern Germany, Energy Policy and Industrial Strategy Southern Germany, Grid Development Plan, Flexibility & Innovations
+49 (0)921 50740-4070
ina-isabelle.haffke@tennet.eu

SOURCE: TenneT