EU study to investigate potential network of European wind parks
The European Commission has initiated a study investigating the feasibility of creating a reliable link from offshore wind parks in the North Sea to the European power grid, using gas-insulated, high-voltage transmission lines. The aim of the study is to make more effective use of wind power with the aid of a joint high-voltage network between European cities such as Hamburg, Rotterdam and London, and offshore wind parks. The countries bordering the North Sea, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom, are included in the study. The study will examine how far it is possible to solve the problem of irregular power generation by wind force without complicated and expensive storage technology. This North Sea network could also be used for exchanging energy in the whole region and could help boost electricity trading within Europe. The partners in the three year project are Siemens Power Transmission and Distribution Group (PTD) and the Submarine Cable & Pipe together with ForWind, the Wind Power Research Center of the Universities of Oldenburg and Hanover, Germany. The three year project will have a total budget of € 2.1 million with a 50% met by a grant from the European Commission for the study of trans-European energy networks. These networks are an integral part of the European Union's overall energy policy objectives of increasing competitiveness in the electricity and gas markets, reinforcing security of supply, and protecting the environment. As part of its 'Renewable Energy Roadmap', the European Commission has proposed to establish a mandatory target of 20% for renewables in energy consumption by 2020. Denmark is the only Member State currently close to that target and likely to meet 30 per cent of electricity demand with wind energy in the coming years