The transmission system operators (TSOs) of the Baltic Sea Region have agreed to start the preparation work for the establishment of a cooperation titled “Baltic Offshore Grid Initiative”.
The purpose of the initiative is to develop common planning principles for the Baltic Sea offshore energy network, enable the consideration of the Baltic Sea offshore grid in the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity’s (ENTSO-E) Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP), and perform studies that support the common vision for the Baltic Sea offshore grid. The initiative is expected to contribute to CO2 reduction and to the development of an environment-friendly energy system for the future.
The TSOs signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the initiative are Fingrid from Finland, Svenska kraftnät from Sweden, Energinet from Denmark, 50Hertz from Germany, Elering from Estonia, Augstsprieguma tīkls AS (AST) from Latvia, and Litgrid AB from Lithuania. As reported, Statnett from Norway will participate as an observing party.
A study on Baltic offshore wind energy cooperation under the Baltic energy market interconnection plan (BEMIP) has analysed the Baltic Sea potential, which exceeds 90 GW. 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 several radial connections will also be needed.
