Belgian Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten and German State Secretary for Energy Philipp Nimmermann agreed to investigate the development of a hybrid interconnection between the offshore wind farms of both countries.
The two countries have set clear and ambitious targets for offshore wind energy. Belgium aims for a capacity of 6 GW by 2030 and 8 GW by 2040, while Germany plans at least 30 GW by 2030 and 70 GW by 2045.
By joining forces, Belgium and Germany can not only stimulate innovation and progress in renewable energy, but also keep the costs of the energy transition as low as possible and strengthen strong and secure industrial value chains.
Although the two countries do not share a direct maritime border because the Netherlands is located between them, they have announced plans for future cooperation aimed at developing a marine mesh network in the North Sea.
Ministers have instructed Belgian and German network operators to investigate options for this network project, involving, if necessary, other countries and network operators in the evaluation of the project.
The new interconnector will complement the ALEGrO interconnection, the first direct electrical link between the two countries that has been operational since 2020, with a follow-up project already underway.
The administrations involved and the Belgian and German network operators are said to regularly discuss progress in order to present a final report to ministers during the next North Sea summit. The report should include information on costs and benefits, the potential timeline, and any obstacles that need to be overcome.
