Today ENTSO-E is releasing the first Offshore Network Development Plans (ONDPs), as part of its Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) for 2024, delivering on the important deployment of the offshore infrastructure throughout all the European sea basins ensuring seamless integration of offshore wind farms.

The European Union has set ambitious goals for the development of a decarbonised energy system and offshore renewable energy sources are a key element on the path to carbon neutrality. The increasing importance of offshore renewable energy in Europe’s electricity generation mix has underscored the essential role of grids to achieve the decarbonisation of the European energy system. The energy potential of the European waters needs indeed a robust transmission system for consumers to harness this potential.

ENTSO-E’s Offshore Network Development Plans highlight the financial and technical needs for grids to be developed and upgraded to accommodate additional new generation capacity from European offshore territories. Offshore wind has the potential to become one of the most important energy resources in the European Energy System provided that the speed of installation of generation and transmission capacities is significantly increased.

Importantly, the ENTSO-E report highlights that the development of the offshore network infrastructure should take place in synergy with the protection of the marine environment in order to achieve a sustainable energy system coexisting with biodiversity.

The ENTSO-E ONDP ensures that offshore systems are at the centre of energy planning, and future editions will further integrate the ONDPs into the TYNDP process. Synchronised planning of onshore and offshore development is essential to complete the holistic approach needed to maximise the benefits of a decarbonised power system.

Commenting on the release of the ONDPs, Zbyněk Boldiš, President of ENTSO-E, said:

Connecting offshore wind generation to the grid is a challenge for all TSOs in Europe, as well as for generators, manufacturers, national governments and all other interested parties. The ONDPs presented today emphasise the need for close coordination and involvement of all European stakeholders. Only by acting together will be able to successfully meet this tremendous challenge.

Damian Cortinas, Chair of the Board of ENTSO-E, stated:

We are proud to be presenting today the first European Offshore Network Development Plan, as the development of offshore wind generation and strong interconnections across all European sea basins are essential to create a carbon neutral, resilient, and cost-effective European energy system. The deployment of the fit for purpose offshore grids is a necessary condition to achieving the European energy transition to carbon neutrality.

Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, commented upon the publication of the ONDPs:

Today’s launch of the Offshore Network Development Plans is an important delivery. Offshore wind is set to become a crucial energy source in the European power system, which mirrors the direction set by the EU – and made even more ambitious by the Member States. I would like to congratulate ENTSO-E for delivering these important Plans, which will help us draft strategies for our offshore grids needs, provide a wealth of information and data, and show the true potential and benefits of coordination and cross-border projects. Today’s launch takes us a step closer to realising our offshore ambitions.

About ENTSO-E

ENTSO-E, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, is the association for the cooperation of the European transmission system operators (TSOs). The 40 member TSOs, representing 36 countries, are responsible for the secure and coordinated operation of Europe’s electricity system, the largest interconnected electrical grid in the world. In addition to its core, historical role in technical cooperation, ENTSO-E is also the common voice of TSOs.

Press contact: media@entsoe.eu