Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and Allianz Investment Management (AIM) have agreed to jointly conduct a feasibility study for an energy island in the German North Sea
The artificial island would be connected to large-scale offshore windfarms to cost-effectively deliver large-scale renewable energy to the German market.
The study is a response to the ambitious announcements made by the German Government concerning an accelerated green transition and the declarations made at the North Sea Summit 18 May 2022 by Germany, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands, setting the course for regional co-operation to exploiting the potential for green energy in the North Sea.
“Germany has some of the best natural conditions in the world for offshore wind with a combination of high wind speeds and relatively low water depths,” said CIP. “This creates attractive conditions for building large-scale offshore windfarms and artificial islands.
“The energy islands will collect energy from resources in areas in the North Sea that are otherwise more difficult and more costly to access. Energy islands create an onshore environment at an offshore location, which makes it possible to cost-effectively build electrical infrastructure and produce green hydrogen offshore – renewable energy that can be transmitted to demand centres in a cost optimised way.”
CIP said that, if targets set for the green energy transition are to be achieved, the concept of energy islands is one of the most effective ways to ensure speed, volume and the production of renewables on a scale that can be integrated into existing energy grids. The power and green hydrogen from energy islands will be connected to the grid in Germany to provide a sizeable contribution to domestic energy production and security of supply.
“Energy islands and wind turbine structures will also enhance biodiversity in the North Sea as these structures create artificial reefs, offering shelter for multiple species,” CIP said.
CIP and AIM said they are eager to involve other German stakeholders in the potential development of the energy island and connected offshore wind.
