The COBRAcable can form part of a future offshore power grid in the North Sea, strengthen competition in the electricity market and ensure the integration of markedly larger amounts of wind energy into the power grid.

The European Commission has entered into an agreement with the electricity transmission system operators Energinet.dk in Denmark and TenneT in the Netherlands to award EUR 86,5m in support of the establishment of an offshore power grid between the two countries.

This Grant Agreement, as it is called, was concluded under the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) on the condition that the project obtains the necessary authority approvals and permissions in Denmark and the Netherlands.

A power link between Denmark and the Netherlands is in line with EU ambitions to establish a stronger and more consistent power grid in Europe, and the cable will help to develop a more international and sustainable energy market, which is a key priority of European energy policy. The project will also investigate the potential for direct connection of offshore wind farms to the cable.

- The connection to the Netherlands is one of several tools that will help to ensure better wind energy utilisation in line with the expansion of wind power in Denmark, says Torben Glar Nielsen, Executive Vice President, Electricity Division, Energinet.dk.

- With a direct connection between the Netherlands and Denmark the scope for sharing power between Scandinavia and the European continent will also be significantly improved. The link will thus enhance security of supply and competition in electricity markets, says Torben Glar Nielsen.

Energinet.dk and TenneT are planning to build an approx. 275 km long DC power link with a capacity of 700 MW between Endrup to the west of Esbjerg and Eemshaven in the Netherlands. Construction costs are estimated at EUR 450m.

Subject to the respective energy ministers' approval and the necessary authority approvals the power link is expected to become operational in 2016.

Additional information:
Torben Glar Nielsen, Executive Vice President, Electricity Division, Energinet.dk, tel.: +45 23 33 89 00.