Denmark has agreed to build an island in the North Sea to collect and distribute electricity from wind farms.
Authorities say the artificial island will be the size of 18 football fields, produce and store enough green energy to cover the electricity needs of 3 million European households. It will also provide clean energy for use in shipping, aviation, industry and heavy transport.
The EUR 28 billion construction project is the largest of its kind in Danish history. The government will hold a 51% stake in the island, with the rest being owned by the private sector.
“It’s a giant project,” said Professor Jacob Østergaard, who heads the Center for Electricity and Energy at the Technical University of Denmark. “It is and will be a cornerstone in the ecological transition and reduction of Danish CO2 emissions.”
Denmark has set its ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. It aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The island of green energy is also big business for the rest of Europe, Østergaard said. It will be built about 80 kilometers from the west coast of the country and will connect to several European countries. It is expected to operate by 2033.
“In the North Sea, we have tremendous potential for offshore wind, 180 gigawatts in total. That means we can shut down all European coal-fired power plants,” and use that green energy instead, he said.
“It is a Danish initiative or at least we have taken the first step. But it will be, at least in time, an international effort.”
Learn more from Prof Østergaard in the video player above.