Conference 'Powering the offshore grid: legal and technical solutions'

On Friday, 26 June 2015, the Conference ‘Powering the offshore grid: legal and technical solutions’ took place at the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam. Around 60 energy experts met to discuss the offshore grid.

At this conference, Hannah Katharina Müller and Shahab Shariat Torbaghan presented the results of the joint research project. First, they outlined the main techno-economic and legal barriers. After the presentations by the two PhD researchers, Imar Doornbos from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs shared his experiences regarding the cooperation within NSCOGI. Imar pointed out that, on the one hand, there has been quite some progress, but on the other hand, there is still a lack of political commitment.

In the second session, Eamon Ryan, Irish politician and senior associate at E3G, stressed the need for a big vision. He argued that real political leadership is needed. The Netherlands have a unique chance to provide this leadership for the offshore grid within the Dutch EU presidency in 2016. Antje Orths, chief engineer at the Danish TSO energinet.dk then outline the potential of the Ten Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP). Further, she argued that parts of the ‘meshed’ offshore grid could be located onshore to save costs. Subsequently, Paul Wilczek from the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) provided the perspective of the wind industry. He stressed that nothing beats the cost price. To achieve a reduction of wind energy costs, a stable legal and regulatory framework is needed.

In the third session, Teun van Biert, senior manager Corporate Asset Owner at TenneT, presented what ENTSO-E could do to facilitate the offshore grid. Teun also stressed the need for an adequate legal framework. Subsequently, Nicole Versijp from DG Energy of the European Commission discussed the possibilities to support the offshore grid. Studies have shown the benefits of such a transnational North Sea grid. It is clear that the North Sea countries need to take the lead, but the Commission is willing to support the initiatives.

In the last session, Shahab Shariat Torbaghan presented the results of his technical model. He stressed that the offshore grid would deliver immense social benefits. Next to that, the infrastructure could be financed by congestion tariffs. However, Shahab also warned that the longer the development is delayed, the higher are the costs for society. Subsequently, Hannah Katharina Müller presented her vision of how the offshore grid can be facilitated. She argued that the North Sea states should conclude a regional agreement. Within this agreement, an alternative legal framework would need to be developed that would facilitate cross-border projects in the long term. Hannah stressed that if the legal framework is not changed, the offshore grid will not be developed. Therefore, the North Sea states have to become active.

Look here for a more detailed summary in Dutch.