Planned electricity cable between the Netherlands and Denmark
TenneT TSO B.V. and Energinet.dk, the Dutch and Danish Transmission System Operators (TSOs), are developing an undersea HVDC (High-Voltage Direct Current) interconnector that will directly connect the Dutch and Danish electricity grids to each other. For this purpose, the two TSOs signed a cooperation agreement on 20 April 2009, specifying the so-called COBRAcable’s development. The proposed connection with a capacity of approx. 700 MW will be around 275 kilometres long and will come ashore in Eemshaven (the Netherlands) and Endrup (Denmark).
Sutainability
The COBRAcable's objective is to advance the integration of more sustainable energy (particularly wind energy) into the Dutch and Danish electricity supply. By doing so, the cable will contribute to the European Union’s ambition to realise a sustainable international energy landscape.
EU Support
The European Commission supports COBRAcable with EUR 86,5m from the EU Economic Recovery Plan. This Grant Agreement, as it is called, was concluded under the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR). It has been granted as COBRAcable can become part of a future offshore power grid in the North Sea, strengthen competition in the electricity market and ensure the integration of significantly larger amounts of wind energy into the power grid. COBRAcable will facilitate the connection of wind farms in the future.
Innovative
The COBRAcable is unique in that it also incorporates the possibility of connecting offshore wind farms to the cable. However, an additional effort in technical development has to be made before it can be determined whether the use of the new technology needed for this purpose is feasible.
Security of supply
The COBRAcable will contribute positively to the security of supply in the Netherlands and Denmark. The cable will make Danish capacity structurally available to the Dutch electricity system, and vice versa.
Price stability
The electricity connection between The Netherlands and Denmark will also have a positive effect on increasing the competition on the Northwest European electricity markets. Eventually, the COBRAcable will have to contribute to price convergence and more stable electricity prices.
Planning
If the decision to start construction on the COBRAcable is made in 2012, the connection is scheduled to be operational by 2016.
The animation of the COBRAcable gives you a good impression of the project.
