Germany – Allianz Investment Management (AIM) and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have agreed to collaborate on a feasibility study for an artificial energy island in the German North Sea.
The island will be linked to large-scale offshore wind farms in order to deliver large-scale renewable energy to the German market at a low cost.
The study is in response to the German government’s ambitious announcements about an accelerated green transition, as well as a declaration signed by Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands setting the course for regional cooperation aimed at maximizing the enormous potential of the North Sea Green Power Plant.
With a combination of high wind speeds and relatively shallow water depths, Germany has some of the best natural offshore wind conditions in the world. This creates favorable conditions for the construction of large-scale offshore wind farms and man-made islands. The energy islands will make it possible to collect and use energy resources in areas of the North Sea that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to reach. Energy islands create an onshore environment at an offshore location, allowing for the construction of cost-effective electrical infrastructure as well as the production of Green Hydrogen ā€“ renewable energy that can be transported to demand centers at a low cost.
Supply security
The concept of energy islands is one of the most effective ways to ensure speed, volume, and production of renewables on a large scale that can be integrated into existing energy grids if the green energy transition targets are to be met. Energy islands’ power and Green Hydrogen will be connected to German public grids, providing a significant contribution to domestic energy production and supply security.
Furthermore, energy islands and wind turbine marine structures will contribute to North Sea biodiversity by creating artificial reefs that provide habitat for a variety of species.
CIP and AIM are eager to engage more German stakeholders in the development of the energy island and the associated offshore wind.
