Ørsted and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have formed a partnership to develop approximately 5.2 GW of offshore wind in Denmark
The plan, which involves the development of four offshore windfarms, two in the North Sea and two in the Baltic, also emphasises the use of electricity from offshore wind for power-to-X projects.
The 50/50 partnership aims to develop the windfarms under the ‘open-door’ scheme in Denmark. The projects are Vikinge Banke (1.1 GW) and Jyske Banke Nord (1.1 GW) in the North Sea, and Bornholm Bassin Syd (1.5 GW) and Bornholm Basin Øst (1.5 GW) in the Baltic.
Together, the projects will have a capacity exceeding Denmark’s current installed offshore wind capacity. They will be built without support from Danish taxpayers. The companies said the partnership envisages that the open-door projects “can create a Danish Power-to-X stronghold,” delivering large-scale renewable electricity as soon as possible and with a target of /2028 if feasible.
Ørsted head of continental Europe Rasmus Erboe said, “Denmark has been a pioneer in offshore wind and is a front-runner in the green transformation. The four major open-door projects can help consolidate Denmark’s leadership position and create the foundation to kick-start the next phase of the production of renewable hydrogen and green fuels.”
CIP senior partner Torsten Lodberg Smed said it is “obviously a good idea” for the most experienced Danish offshore wind developers to join forces. “If we succeed in completing the projects, we’ll also ensure the renewable electricity needed to give the Danish Power-to-X industry a much-needed boost. We are pleased with the support from Danish pension funds and their members, who prioritise and invest in the green transition.”
The partnership is subject to merger clearance, which is expected by the end of 2022.
