11 Different regions are facing different challenges and coming up with a variety of solutions. In several countries, national transmission operators are planning network rollouts and building lines to the turbines. In the U.K., transmission lines connecting wind farms are sold to independent operators. In the U.S., 30 GW of offshore wind parks are scheduled to be installed by the end of the decade. However, if federal agencies, states and grid operators do not develop transmission plans ready in time, capacity may largely remain underused. Network developers and regulators have not only pointed out that growing pressure on the network will require grid renewal and a more integrated approach, but also that new (international) interconnections are needed to transmit power from where it’s generated to where it’s needed. According to the UN, “international electricity grid interconnection (…) can (…) improve energy security in the interconnected countries.” A study from Stanford University professor Mark Jacobson modelling energy grids powered by 100% wind, water and sunlight across Western Europe found that increased interconnection between countries would lower energy costs and improve grid stability. This challenge is stimulating new cooperation. In the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), for example, EU member states are working to develop offshore wind energy generation and transmission infrastructure. The British government, which wants to reach 40 GW of offshore wind by 2030, has studied a coordinated approach to building both offshore wind transmission and subsea cables to other countries. Britain's transmission grid operator found that an integrated approach could save consumers 18%, or $8 billion, in CAPEX and OPEX by 2050. A multipurpose interconnector that would link future offshore wind farms in the waters off of both the U.K. and the Netherlands and provide up to 2 GW of power trading capacity is also being studied. In Denmark, the government plans to build energy islands that connect multiple wind farms. INSIGHT | Focus On New (international) interconnections are needed to transmit power fromwhere it’s generated to where it’s needed STIMULATING NEW COOPERATION
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