Denmark maps sea areas for an additional 18 GW of offshore wind

The screening process demonstrated that, in selected areas, it is feasible to build additional offshore windfarms in Danish waters, either as individual projects or connected to energy islands in the North Sea and in the vicinity of the island of Bornholm.

The fine-screening process comprised areas in which is possible to build more than 18 GW of new offshore wind capacity.

For each potential windfarm, COWI studied areas in Nordsøen I (south of the planned Thor offshore windfarm), Hesselø and Kriegers Flak II. For the interconnected windfarms, areas further into the North Sea and in the vicinity of the island of Bornholm were studied.

Overall, the screening demonstrated it is possible to establish offshore windfarms in all of the areas that were screened. None of the areas were designated unsuitable for offshore wind turbines as a result of seabed conditions, unfavourable environmental conditions, or conflicting interests.

However, it was recommended that a more detailed analysis be carried out in areas in the vicinity of Bornholm and Kriegers Flak regarding the sensitivity of selected bird species, to determine how they would be affected by offshore windfarms.

At a number of screened areas, cables, pipelines and existing navigation routes would need to be taken into account.

Riviera is hosting a week of free to attend 45-minute webinars focused on offshore wind commencing 8 June. Register your interest now