The decision to establish the two energy islands was reached under the climate agreement of 22 June 2020, which was entered into by the Danish Government, the Liberal Party, Danish People’s Party, Social Liberal Party, Socialist People’s Party, the Red-Green Alliance, Conservative Party, Liberal Alliance and the Alternative.
Climate agreement for energy and industry, etc., of 22 June 2020
In February 2021, the parties behind the agreement decided that the energy island in the North Sea should be built as an artificial island with a starting capacity of 3 GW, with potential for expansion to 10 GW offshore wind.
In addition, it was decided that the energy island in the North Sea must be owned by a public/private partnership. This is intended to enable facilitation of private competences in regards to project development, technology and finance, and contribute to innovation and green export. Also, the Danish state will have the majority ownership of the island, since it is expected to be characterized as critical infrastructure.
Supplementary agreement of 4 February 2021 (in Danish)
In a tender-preparing agreement of September 2021, it was decided to offer the construction and operation of the North Sea Energy Island in one large, combined tender, as well as to engage in dialogue with commercial players to ensure an optimal framework for innovation, preparation of concrete project proposals and composition of the right consortia.
Tender-preparing partial agreement of 1 september 2021
In August 2022, it was politically decided to expand the capacity of Bornholm Energy Island from 2 to 3 GW. In comparison, a total of 2,3 GW of offshore wind is connected in Denmark today, which means that Bornholm Energy Island more than doubles the amount of offshore wind in Denmark.
Danish press release about the capacity expansion
Most recently, the settlement parties behind the energy island have agreed that the tender for Energiø North Sea must take place as a functional tender, where the state sets requirements for the island's technical functionality, and the bidders make the detailed choices regarding design, materials and construction, etc. However, it has been decided to focus on a flexible island concept with the possibility of combining a dammed island with electricity transmission and energy conversion on platforms by the island. Also, the tender process will take place as a competitive dialogue.
Finally, it has been politically decided to structure the future island company as a partner company (P/S) and it is agreed upon that the tender must contain social clauses and sustainability requirements.
Tender for North Sea energy island ready to launch spring 2023