Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) said today that its 4.2-GW interconnector portfolio in the North Sea is proceeding in the process for regulatory approval in the UK.
The fund manager explained it acquired close to full ownership in the portfolio from UK developer Volta Partners in late 2022. The portfolio includes three projects — Aminth, Cronos and Tarchon that would connect the UK with Denmark, Belgium and Germany, respectively.
The projects were declared eligible for UK energy regulator Ofgem’s Third Cap and Floor Window on February 24. In fact, all seven interconnector applications received for the third window were declared eligible. These also include proposals for connections to France by AQUIND, to the Netherlands by the NU-Link Consortium, to Northern Ireland by Transmission Investment and to the Republic of Ireland by MCL.
The projects will now progress to the Initial Project Assessment (IPA) stage, which involves a needs case assessment.
The IPA award is anticipated after the summer, CIP said.
The company’s three projects received UK interconnector licenses earlier in 2023. They are expected to reach a final investment decision in 2026 and become operational between 2030 and 2032.
CIP noted that connections are needed to deliver the offshore wind pledges made in the Esbjerg Declaration of May last year.
“Interconnectors play a critical role in enabling the energy transition, creating the flexibility to harness ever greater amounts of renewable energy, while ensuring energy security through a connected system,” remarked CIP partner Otto Jager.
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