The Transmission System Operators (TSOs) of the Baltic Sea Region (Fingrid from Finland, Svenska kraftnät from Sweden, Energinet from Denmark, 50Hertz from Germany, Elering from Estonia, AST from Latvia and Litgrid from Lithuania) responsible for maintaining and developing the transmission systems agreed to start the preparation work for the establishment of a cooperation for the Baltic Sea offshore grid.
The intended purpose of the cooperation titled Baltic Offshore Grid Initiative is to develop common planning principles for Baltic Sea offshore energy network, enable the consideration of the Baltic Sea offshore grid in the ENTSO-E Ten-Year Network Development Plan and perform studies that support the common vision for the offshore grid in the Baltic Sea region.
The initiative should contribute to the CO2 reduction and to the development of an environmentally friendly energy system for the future.
The signing TSOs have recognised that the Baltic Sea region has the potential to make a significant contribution towards green energy policy goals by means of offshore wind development and cross-border electricity transmission. An offshore grid will be part of the solution to harness the potential but lots of radial connections will also be needed.
Study on Baltic offshore wind energy cooperation under BEMIP has analysed the Baltic Sea potential that exceeds 90 gigawatts (GW). The total energy amount that could be produced is 325 terawatts-hour (TWh) per year.
According to the signatories of the Memorandum of Understanding, a carbon-neutral society in the future can be enabled through closer cross-border cooperation, information exchange and further development of studies for a possible offshore network. Offshore investments are substantial, need comprehensive studies and common understanding and require political support from the European Commission and member state governments.
