The Danish declaration of twin targets of producing 30 per cent of all its energy needs from renewable energy sources by the end of 2020 and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 70 per cent by 2030 make Denmark the ideal partner for India in its effort to benefit this country’s electricity market. On 5 June, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in energy. The Indo-Danish MoU, finalised by India’s power ministry and the ministry for energy, utilities and climate of the Kingdom of Denmark envisages the development of a strong, deep and long-term cooperation between the two countries in the power sector on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit. While a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be established to work out specific details, the MoU provides for collaboration in a wide range of areas like offshore wind, long-term energy planning, forecasting, flexibility in the grid, consolidation of grid codes to integrate and operate efficiently variable generation options, flexibility in power purchase agreements, incentivisation of power plant flexibility and variability in renewable energy production. The JWG, to be co-chaired by officials at the level of Joint Secretary, will report to a Steering Committee, jointly chaired by the Secretary-level officer from each side. One central element in Denmark’s climate action plan, of which that country’s parliament is negotiating, the first part, is the establishment of two ‘energy islands’ to be used as offshore wind energy hubs: one, the island of Bornholm and the other, an artificial island in the North Sea.
-
Two ‘energy islands’ will be used as offshore wind energy hubs. Photo courtesy LM Wind Power
