Grid operator Tennet plans to launch a 6GW integrated grid system

Tennet, the German-Dutch transmission system operator (TSO), has launched an integrated grid system that connects 6GW of North Sea offshore wind capacity to the German grid, possibly to neighbouring countries
.

Specifically, the integrated network consists of three interconnected 2GW DC systems, enabling a total of 6GW of offshore wind capacity to be integrated into the grid
.

Each system will be equipped with submarine cables to connect offshore wind farms to offshore and onshore converter stations
.
Tennet suggests that electricity could be fed into the German grid or used for green hydrogen production
.

The first three connection points in the Tennet project will be located in the northern German states of Bremen, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein
.

The system can be expanded to be able to connect to additional capacity or elsewhere
.
This could include direct connections
to Denmark – where energy island hubs are being built – the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The system can also be used to distribute electricity
between different states and countries.
Tennet believes the system could be operational
as early as 2032.

At this time, Tennet has not made a cost estimate
for the system.
A spokesman said that under current German law, Tennet is expected to cover the costs and establish a grid connection
.

These proposals require approval from the federal network agency (Bundesnetzagentur) and the German parliament
.

Tennet explained that for the three initial German network connection points, the lines will be interconnected to ensure robustness, power and cost-effectiveness
of the system.
Land use and environmental impacts will also be minimized and new European electricity trading capacity
will be created.

Tim Tennet's chief operating officer said the concept should help accelerate offshore wind expansion and improve the efficiency and security
of power supply.