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04 July 2016
Energy & Natural Resources Denmark
Introduction
Main areas of cooperation
Perspective for regional enterprises
Introduction
On June 6 2016 the Danish government joined other North Sea countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden) and the European Commission in a common declaration to support further offshore energy development through a detailed programme and structured cooperation between the countries.
The aim of the commitment is to create improved conditions for the development of offshore wind energy, thereby ensuring a sustainable, secure and affordable energy supply in the North Sea region. The declaration also includes an approximation of an internal market for renewables in the region.
The Danish government hopes that the initiative will transform the North Sea region into the Silicon Valley of offshore energy.
The parties agreed to focus on the following areas:
The declaration provides for a governance and support structure that establishes support groups and a committee of representatives from North Sea countries and the European Commission.
Perspective for regional enterprises
The declaration provides for the significant expansion of offshore wind projects and gigawatt (GW) capacity in the North Sea region and particularly in Denmark.
EU-financed research project Windspeed examined the offshore wind potential of the North Sea region and came to a positive conclusion regarding offshore projects, naming Denmark as the leading country in this regard due to its surplus in capacity for offshore energy.
There is potential to expand the North Sea's existing 7.7 GW capacity in the North Sea to approximately 100 GW by 2030, 25 GW of which could be located in Danish territory. Based on Danish household electricity consumption, the production of an additional 100 GW in power would provide power for approximately 100 million households.
The proposed cooperation is likely to result in economic growth in the region and job creation in regional enterprises in the offshore energy sector.
Strengthened cooperation and the exploitation of Danish offshore resources could lead to an increase in demand for Danish suppliers and facilities, but also for Danish ports, thus consolidating their position as the main entry point to the North Sea.
For further information on this topic please contact Nicolaj Kleist at Bruun & Hjejle by telephone (+45 33 34 50 00) or email (nkl@bruunhjejle.dk). The Bruun & Hjejle website can be accessed at www.bruunhjejle.com.
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Author
Nicolaj Kleist