Denmark to Boost Offshore Wind Energy

Danish governing and opposition parties have agreed to boost offshore wind energy in the country, Reuters reports.

According to the government officials, a deal has been made between the centre-left government, an allied leftist party and all opposition parties except one.

Minister for Climate, Energy and Building, Martin Lidegaard, has stated that a 400 MW wind farm will be built at Horns Rev, in the North Sea off the west coast of Jutland, where a 160 MW park and a 209 MW second phase are already in operation. He added that later, a 600 MW wind power park would be built at Kriegers Flak in the Baltic Sea between Denmark and Sweden.

The government’s intention is to boost the use of renewable energy to 50% of total electricity consumption from around 25%, with the new wind parks as central targets. Estimates show the measures will increase the energy bill of an average Danish household by about 1,300 crowns ($230) per year, the ministry said.

On Friday, the government is expected to reach an agreement with the opposition Liberals and Conservatives on a new budget law to steer future expenditure by introducing new spending ceilings for the central government, regions and municipalities.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, March 23, 2012; Image: dongenergy