Denmark Launches Its Biggest Offshore Wind Farm Tender
The offshore wind energy market in Denmark is poised for significant growth, driven by the country’s ambitious renewable energy targets and its status as a global leader in offshore wind technology. According to the latest data, Denmark currently has a total offshore wind capacity of 3.5 GW, making it one of the top offshore wind markets in Europe.
Denmark’s offshore wind capacity has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with the installation of several major offshore wind farms, such as Horns Rev and Anholt. The country’s latest offshore wind tender, launched in 2023, is set to further expand its offshore wind capacity, with the potential to add up to 9 GW of new offshore wind power by 2030.
Compared to the broader European market, Denmark’s offshore wind industry is well-established and has a strong track record of successful project deployment. As of 2024, Europe had a total offshore wind capacity of around 45 GW, with the UK, Germany, and Denmark being the three largest markets, accounting for over 80% of the continent’s total offshore wind installations.
In terms of growth rates, Denmark’s offshore wind market has experienced steady, yet impressive, expansion over the past few years. Between 2019 and 2024, the country’s offshore wind capacity grew by approximately 30%, from around 2.7 GW to 3.5 GW. This growth rate is on par with the broader European offshore wind market, which saw a similar 30% expansion during the same period.
Looking at the global offshore wind landscape, Denmark’s offshore wind market is also well-positioned, ranking among the top countries in terms of installed capacity. As of 2024, the global offshore wind market had a total installed capacity of around 80 GW, with China being the world’s largest offshore wind market, accounting for over 55% of the global total.
While Denmark’s offshore wind capacity is still relatively small compared to the global leaders, the country’s strong technological expertise and its ambitious renewable energy targets position it for continued growth in the coming years. The country’s recent tender for up to 9 GW of new offshore wind capacity by 2030 underscores its commitment to further expanding its offshore wind footprint and solidifying its status as a global leader in the sector.
Competitive Landscape and Strategic Positioning
Denmark’s offshore wind market is poised to undergo a transformative expansion in the coming years, driven by the country’s ambitious 9 GW tender announced in 2023. This bold move eclipses the current offshore wind capacity in Denmark, which stands at around 3.5 GW, and positions the Nordic nation as a key player in the global offshore wind energy landscape.
When compared to other leading offshore wind markets, Denmark’s plans demonstrate a clear commitment to accelerating the energy transition. The UK, for instance, has set a target of 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, while Germany aims for 30 GW by the same year. China, the world’s largest offshore wind market, is pursuing an even more aggressive 100 GW target by 2025. However, Denmark’s proposed 9 GW addition by 2030 represents a significant expansion that will help the country cement its position as a global leader in offshore wind development.
A key aspect of Denmark’s strategy is the integration of the Bornholm Energy Island, which will host a minimum of 3 GW of the planned 9 GW of offshore wind capacity. This innovative approach to offshore wind development, which combines large-scale wind farms with a centralized offshore grid infrastructure, is expected to drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By comparison, other markets such as the UK and Germany have primarily focused on individual offshore wind farm projects, without the same level of grid integration.
Moreover, Denmark’s tender process is designed to attract a diverse array of players, including both established industry giants and emerging players. The transparent and competitive nature of the tenders is likely to spur innovation and drive down costs, further enhancing Denmark’s competitiveness in the global offshore wind market. This approach contrasts with some other markets, where offshore wind development has been dominated by a smaller pool of experienced players.
Technological Innovations and Advancements
Denmark has been at the forefront of driving technological innovations and advancements to enable the scaling up of its offshore wind energy capacity. The country’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy transition has fostered an ecosystem that encourages research, development, and deployment of cutting-edge offshore wind technologies.
One of the key areas of innovation is in the design and engineering of larger and more efficient wind turbines. Denmark’s leading turbine manufacturers, such as Vestas and Ørsted, have been continuously pushing the boundaries of turbine size and power output. The latest generation of offshore wind turbines deployed in Denmark can reach hub heights of over 180 meters and rotor diameters exceeding 240 meters, allowing for a significant increase in energy generation per unit. These massive turbines leverage advanced materials, aerodynamic designs, and sophisticated control systems to optimize their performance in the harsh offshore environments.
Alongside turbine advancements, Denmark has also been at the forefront of developing innovative foundation and installation technologies for offshore wind farms. The country’s expertise in offshore engineering, gained from its long history in the oil and gas industry, has informed the design of innovative substructures, such as monopiles, jackets, and floating platforms. These foundation solutions are engineered to withstand the challenging conditions of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, where many of Denmark’s offshore wind farms are located. The development of specialized installation vessels and equipment has also enabled the efficient and cost-effective deployment of these large-scale offshore wind structures.
In addition to hardware innovations, Denmark has also been a leader in the development of advanced grid integration and transmission solutions for offshore wind. The country’s extensive experience in integrating variable renewable energy sources into its electricity grid has informed the design of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems and intelligent grid management technologies. These solutions are crucial for effectively transmitting the large-scale power generation from offshore wind farms to onshore consumption centers, while maintaining grid stability and reliability.
Another area of innovation in the Danish offshore wind sector is the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins. Danish companies are leveraging these technologies to optimize the performance, maintenance, and operations of offshore wind farms. AI-powered predictive analytics and digital twinning of wind turbines and other infrastructure can help improve asset management, reduce downtime, and enhance overall system efficiency.
Final Remarks
The technological advancements in Denmark’s offshore wind sector are not only benefiting the country’s domestic market but are also being exported and applied in other major offshore wind markets around the world. Danish companies and research institutions are actively collaborating with international partners to share knowledge, transfer technologies, and drive the global adoption of cutting-edge offshore wind solutions.
By continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation, Denmark is positioning itself as a global leader in the offshore wind industry. The country’s technological advancements are not only enabling the rapid scaling up of its own offshore wind capacity but are also contributing to the overall progress and competitiveness of the global offshore wind market.
