Interconnecting the Baltic Sea countries via offshore energy hubs

With integrated energy system analysis covering the Baltic-Nordic region and beyond, BaltHub analyses the cost-effectiveness of Baltic Sea energy hubs. Such hubs have offshore wind power connected far in the sea where wind speeds are high. The hubs can also be used to interconnect the onshore energy systems of the Baltic Sea countries, allowing efficient flow of energy and a more interconnected overall energy system. Offshore energy hubs can also provide for the expected increase in electricity demand due to sector coupling, driven by electrification of the heating and transport sectors.

The impacts of key parameters, such as CO2 tax, hydrogen demand and possible limits on onshore wind buildout, on the offshore hubs’ cost-effectiveness are investigated via scenario and sensitivity analyses. The results help decision makers in identifying the key parameters affecting offshore hub buildout and related CO2 reductions in the Baltic Sea region.

Future Baltic-Nordic hubs and interconnections will likely be realized in a stepwise manner with investment decisions being made with uncertainties about the future. The project addresses this aspect and will apply methods to identify investment options that are optimal for a range of likely scenarios, supporting decisions that are economically robust with low risk of stranded assets.