Join our crew and become one of the 104,017 members that receive our newsletter.

A support vessel is seen next to a wind turbine at the Walney Extension offshore wind farm operated by Orsted off the coast of Blackpool, Britain

A support vessel is seen next to a wind turbine at the Walney Extension offshore wind farm operated by Orsted off the coast of Blackpool, Britain September 5, 2018. REUTERS/Phil Noble

Orsted Plans Bid for North Sea Renewable Energy Island

Reuters
Total Views: 888
April 22, 2021
Reuters

COPENHAGEN, April 22 (Reuters) – Wind farm developer Orsted plans to submit a joint bid with Danish pension fund ATP to finance and build the world’s first energy island in the North Sea.

The artificial island, which will produce and store enough green energy to cover the electricity needs of 3 million European households, was approved by Danish lawmakers in February as part of the country’s ambitious climate targets.

“The North Sea energy island will be a cornerstone in harnessing the Danish offshore wind resources, which can make a substantial contribution towards Denmark’s and Europe’s green transitions and create thousands of jobs in Denmark,” Orsted said in a statement.

Orsted expects the project, which will be majority owned by the Danish state, to be put out to tender next year and a decision to be made in 2023, a spokesman said. The precise terms of the tender have yet to be finalised.

The size of 18 football fields, the island’s initial phase will be linked to hundreds of offshore wind turbines and supply power to households and green hydrogen for shipping, aviation, industry and heavy transport.

The energy island, which will cost about 210 billion Danish crowns ($34 billion), will be located 80km (50 miles) off Denmark’s west coast. Its surrounding wind turbines will have initial capacity of 3 gigawatts and is expected to be operational around 2033.

Orsted is the world’s biggest offshore wind farm developer, having installed nearly a quarter of alloffshore wind capacity, while ATP is among Europe’s largest pension funds with 960 billion crowns under management. ($1 = 6.1806 Danish crowns) (Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen Editing by Lincoln Feast and David Goodman)

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021.

Weekly Insights from the Helm

Dive into a sea of information with our meticulously curated weekly “Dispatch” email. It’s more than just a newsletter; it’s your personal maritime briefing.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join gCaptain Club?

Be Informed: Stay updated with the latest maritime news and trends.

Connect: Network with a community of maritime professionals and enthusiasts.

Gain Insights: Receive exclusive content and personal perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 104,017 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.

gCaptain’s full coverage of the maritime shipping industry, including containerships, tankers, dry bulk, LNG, breakbulk and more.