Largest Offshore Wind Tender To Date Launched by Denmark

The Danish flag flying in a harbor
Europe Offshore
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Updated Published

Denmark announced on Monday its largest offshore wind tender ever, which remarkably does not include subsidies for developers bidding to construct wind farms across six sites. 

These sites collectively have the potential to host up to 10 GW of capacity, with a minimum of 6 GW expected to be developed in areas like North Sea I, the Kattegat, Kriegers Flak II, and Hesselø by 2030. Developers are encouraged to install as many turbines as needed, potentially pushing capacity to 10 GW or more, according to the Danish energy and climate ministry.

“This can potentially mean green electricity corresponding to the consumption of more than 10 million Danish and European households, although the green electricity could also be used for hydrogen or other power-to-x products to replace fossil fuels.”

To qualify for the tender, developers must agree to pay an annual concession fee to the Danish government over a 30-year period for the rights to use the seabed. Furthermore, the Danish state will retain a 20% minority stake in each offshore wind project that is awarded.

“This is a massive investment in the green transition,” stated Kristoffer Böttzauw, director general at the Danish Energy Agency.

Currently, Denmark's offshore wind power capacity stands at 2.7 GW. This will be augmented by the Thor offshore wind farm, which is under construction in the North Sea and is expected to add an additional 1 GW upon its completion in 2027.

“Finally, we are able to publish the biggest offshore wind tender in Danish history. With hundreds of wind turbines, we are insuring ourselves against Putin’s black gas, and as of today Denmark is one large step closer to becoming Europe’s green power house. When the wind turbines are operating, we can cover all of Denmark’s power consumption with green electricity – and we can produce hydrogen and green fuels for ships and planes. It is projects of this scale that can make a big, green difference for the climate and our security. Not just for Denmark, but for all of Europe,” said Climate and Energy Minister Lars Aagaard.