The locations of eight small-scale offshore wind projects to be built relatively close to the Danish shore have been named by Denmark’s climate, energy and building minister, Martin Lidegaard.
The projects will be built in waters off Bornholm, Smålandsfarvandet, Sejerø Bugt, Sæby, Vesterhav Syd, Vesterhav Nord, Jammerland Bugt and Jammerbugt Syd.
The projects represent one element of Denmark’s offshore wind strategy, which also includes the construction of two further large-scale wind farms – another 400MW at Horns Rev and 600MW at Kriegers Flak. These are in addition to the 400MW Anholt project, which is currently being built.
"It is important to me that there is local support," said Lidegaard, releasing the names of the locations. The terms set out by the government for the projects prohibit turbine construction within 4km of the shoreline.
The eight locations were chosen following a review of 16 potential sites conducted by a working group representing several government ministries with maritime and/or energy interests. Sites were rated on a cost and return on investment basis. "It is important to me that we get the cheapest solution with the greatest possible local support," said Lidegaard.
Half of the chosen sites lie on the west coast of Jutland. "Westerly winds off the Atlantic are dominant and promise a quicker return on investment," noted economist, Lisbeth Nielsen, a special adviser at the Danish Energy Agency, speaking with “uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç Offshore.
It is not yet clear who will own and develop the eight projects or whether all the sites will go ahead. It is possible that, perhaps, just five projects with a capacity of 100MW each will be built, rather than all eight projects with a cumulative capacity of 500MW.
Another question yet to be resolved is whether one developer will win the right to build all the projects or if several developers will be involved. It is also possible that local communities could hold minority stakes in nearby projects.
Also yet to be decided is whether environmental impact assessment work will be managed – and procured - by transmission system operator, Energinet.dk, or by the developer(s). If it is the responsibility of Energinet.dk, EIA contracts will go to public tender.
The Danish government is considering a new subsidy scheme for nearshore projects as well as specific regulations.
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