Belgium, Germany to explore plan for joint offshore wind link

Germany and Belgium have agreed to jointly assess the potential for developing a hybrid cross-border interconnection between the offshore wind farms of the two countries.

The press office of Belgian Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten announced on Friday that a declaration of intent for the initiative has been signed with German State Secretary Philipp Nimmermann.

Under the plan, transmission system operators (TSOs) in Germany and Belgium will examine options for creating the potential network and, if necessary, will involve counterparties from other countries. They will be expected to present their findings in a final report to the ministers during the next North Sea Summit in June 2025.

The project, if proven feasible, will help Germany and Belgium harness the abundant offshore wind resources in the North Sea basin and keep energy transition costs at a low level. The two countries already have a direct two-way electrical connection line, the ALEGrO interconnection, which has been operational since 2020 and is planned to be expanded. Plans for a joint hydrogen pipeline are in the works, as well.

Both Germany and Belgium have ambitious offshore wind targets. Belgium aims to have 6 GW of offshore wind turbines online by 2030 and Germany is pursuing at least 30 GW.

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