Germany and Denmark to strengthen cooperation on offshore energy island hubs

Germany and Denmark have agreed to cooperate more closely on the expansion of offshore wind energy and innovative energy islands, according to a press release from the German economy and energy ministry. The islands, also called ‘energy hubs’, can increase the supply of green electricity and green hydrogen, and thereby advance power-to-X technologies. German minister of economy and energy Peter Altmaier said: “The task now is to identify and advance specific projects together with our neighbours. It is important for me to find framework conditions that ensure that both countries benefit. These offshore wind projects in particular can enable synergies for the development of green hydrogen." The cooperation brings the two countries a step closer to the goals of the EU’s offshore renewables strategy, which was unveiled earlier this year. The strategy envisages a fivefold increase in offshore wind capacity in Europe from 12 GW to 60 GW by 2030, and a further fivefold increase to 300 GW by 2050. Though most German policymakers and industry welcomed the plan, concerns about the impact on marine ecosystems remain.

The agreement between the two countries is a starting point for further cooperation, for example on energy island projects in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Danish minister for climate, energy and utilities Dan Jorgensen said about the agreement: "This will not only significantly increase renewable electricity generation in both countries, it is also a prerequisite for power-to-X technologies to produce sustainable fuels for shipping and aviation. To this end, Denmark is working to build two offshore hubs with a capacity of 5 GW." Earlier this year, Denmark decided to phase out oil and gas production by 2050.