The Anonymous Widower

UK Continues Offshore Wind Expansion With 6 GW Leasing Round Planned For Early 2027

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.

This is the sub-heading.

The Crown Estate has unveiled plans for the UK’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 6 to be held in the first half of 2027, targeting the development of at least 6 GW of new capacity.

These three paragraphs add some details.

The upcoming leasing process will focus on areas primarily located in the northeast of England. The sites are expected to be suitable for fixed-bottom offshore wind projects and will be brought forward following market and stakeholder engagement, including the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strategic plans for energy and for electricity networks, which will inform the exact capacity of the upcoming leasing round and refine specific site details and locations.

The Crown Estate said on 26 March that it had begun a programme of market engagement ahead of the official launch of a new leasing round, and is seeking market views on commercial approaches to the leasing round “to understand the potential viability and market appetite.”

The UK seabed manager said that it had also identified other areas of seabed opportunity across the South West, Wales and other regions which may form the basis of subsequent leasing rounds through the Crown Estate’s new seabed management tool, the Marine Delivery Routemap, which is being used for the first time in Round 6.

In Renewable Power By 2030 In The UK, I calculated how much offshore wind could be commissioned up to 2030.

These were my results.

This gives these yearly totals, if I use pessimistic dates.

  • 2025 – 1,235 MW
  • 2026 – 4,807 MW
  • 2027 – 5,350 MW
  • 2028 – 4,998 MW
  • 2029 – 9,631 MW
  • 2030 – 15,263 MW

This adds up to a total of 58,897 MW.

But This Doesn’t Include Round 5 Or Round 6!

But the article on offshoreWIND.biz does, say this about Round 5.

The Crown Estate’s previous leasing round, Round 5, focused on floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, covering areas off South Wales and South West England and targeting up to 4.5 GW of capacity. The round awarded seabed rights to Equinor, Gwynt Glas, and Ocean Winds, with individual project development areas of up to 1.5 GW. Agreements for lease were recently signed for all three Round 5 sites.

The article also indicates that 6 GW can be expected from Round 6.

Which gives a total of 69,397 MW or 69.4 GW.

No wonder the UK Government can back the steel industry, with press releases like this UK Steel Industry Backed By Major New Trade Measure And Strategy.

Lots of renewable energy, is the new rich!

March 27, 2026 Posted by | Energy, Manufacturing | , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cardiff And Caerphilly – 24th March 2026

I took this pictures, as I rode up the Rhymney Valley from Cardiff to Caerphilly.

Note.

  1. The trains I took up and down the valley were both Class 756 tri-mode trains.
  2. My train reversed to Penarth in Platform 1.
  3. I think they were running using the diesel power in the power pack.
  4. There is an overhead conductor rail in Platform 1 at Caerphilly station to charge trains.
  5. The electrification North of Caerphilly station can be seen through the bridge in one of the pictures.
  6. Platforms 2 and 3 are not electrified.

I think Caerphilly station is a very neat electrification layout for occasional charging of battery-electric or tri-mode trains.

I have some specific thoughts.

What Have Caerphilly And St. Pancras Thameslink Stations Got In Common?

These pictures show the rigid conductor rail through St. Pancras Thameslink station.

It looks remarkably similar to that in Platform 1 at Caerphilly station.

Judge in this picture.

The rails are probably out of the same Swiss electrification maker’s parts bin.

Both look equally professional with an I-section conductor, which could be aluminium, as it is lightweight and a good electrical conductor.

Google AI finds this.

The I-beam overhead conductor system used in St. Pancras Thameslink station is made of a hollow extruded aluminium profile. This system, known as a conductor beam, holds a conventional copper contact wire, providing a rigid, low-profile alternative to traditional overhead wires.

Key details:

Material: Extruded aluminium profile.
Structure: Hollow, designed to hold an un-tensioned, conventional copper contact wire.
Application: Developed by Balfour Beatty to reduce the required depth of overhead line equipment.

Installation: Often installed in a sinusoidal wave to ensure consistent wear on the pantograph.

This technology is used in areas with restricted overhead space, such as tunnels and some modern station approaches, to manage 25kV AC electrification.

It looks like it’s been used to provide a charging rail in Caerphilly station.

Is The Conductor Rail In Platform 1 Used To Create A Continuous Electrical Connection Around Caerphilly Station?

Look at this OpenRailwayMap, which shows the completed electrification through Caerphilly station.

Note.

  1. Red tracks are electrified.
  2. Black tracks are not electrified.
  3. Caerphilly station is indicated by the blue arrow.
  4. The electrification continues to the Western end of the station.
  5. The two main platforms 2 & 3 are not electrified.
  6. The bay platform 1 is electrified to charge trains for return to Cardiff.
  7. Class 756 tri-mode electric-diesel-battery trains are already in service.
  8. There appears to be a comprehensive bus interchange.

The power for Platform 1 could come from the electrification at the Western end of the station.

I wouldn’t be surprised that the Rhymney Line will be fed with electricity at the heads of the valleys and it is fully-connected down to Cardiff to give a secure electrical connection.

Will Welsh Wind Power From The Heads Of The Valleys Be Used To Power The Cardiff Valley Lines?

To start with, as I know it can be blowy there, I asked Google AI, this question.

“Is Onshore Wind Planned At The Heads Of The Valleys In South Wales?”

I received this answer.

Yes, there is significant onshore wind energy development planned and in progress along the Heads of the Valleys area in South Wales. This region, encompassing areas like Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, and northern Rhondda Cynon Taf, is part of a broader push to increase onshore wind capacity in Wales, with many projects located on Natural Resources Wales forestry land.

Key Developments and Proposed Projects (2025-2026):

Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru: The Welsh government-owned developer has selected sites in South Wales for new, large-scale wind farms intended to be operational by 2040.

Carreg Wen Wind Farm: A planned 18-turbine project located between Aberdare and Maerdy (Rhondda Cynon Taf), near the Hirwaun/Heads of the Valleys area.

Hirfynydd Renewable Energy Park: A proposed project located on the Hirfynydd mountain range between Seven Sisters and Banwen, north of Neath, near the western end of the Heads of the Valleys.

Mynydd Llanhilleth and Trecelyn Wind Farms: Projects in the pre-application or planning stages by Pennant Walters in the Blaenau Gwent area.

Abergorki Wind Farm: A consented three-turbine project on Mynydd Maerdy (Rhondda Cynon Taf) with construction scheduled for 2026.

Operational Context:

Pen y Cymoedd: Already operational and currently the largest onshore wind farm in England and Wales, situated in the hills above the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda, and Cynon Valleys.

Grid Infrastructure: Proposed new substations, such as one near Hirwaun (Rhondda Cynon Taf), are intended to connect these new projects to the national grid.

These developments are part of a target to generate 70% of Wales’ electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with a focus on areas previously identified as suitable for large-scale wind development.

Note.

  1. Pen y Cymoedd is the largest onshore wind farm in Wales and England, with an installed capacity of 228 MW.
  2. With the right size of battery, I’m fairly sure, that this wind farm could go a long way to powering the Cardiff Valley Lines.
  3. Carreg Wen Wind Farm is planned to be 108 MW wind farm.
  4. Hirfynydd Renewable Energy Park is planned to be a 100 MW hybrid development of wind turbines and solar with a battery.
  5. Mynydd Llanhilleth is planned to be a 48 MW wind farm.
  6. Trecelyn is planned to be a 20 MW wind farm.
  7. Abergorki is planned to be a 13 MW wind farm.

The total of new developments is 389 MW, which is about the same size as a Rolls-Royce SMR.

March 25, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Clarksons To Support RWE’s Vanguard West, Vanguard East From ABP’s New Lowestoft Facility

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.

This is the sub-heading.

Clarksons Port Services has signed an agreement with RWE and Associated British Ports (ABP) for RWE’s Vanguard West and Vanguard East offshore wind projects in the UK.

These three paragraphs add more detail to the story.

Under the agreement, the company will support the construction of the two offshore wind farms from the Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF), where Clarksons will lease and operate a facility on behalf of RWE.

ABP officially opened the new port facility in January 2025, after investing GBP 35 million (around EUR 40 million) in the port infrastructure. The facility features deep-water berths, modern utilities and future-proofed infrastructure to support shore power and alternative fuels, according to the port operator.

RWE secured Contracts for Difference (CfDs) for the two offshore wind farms in January this year, when the UK government awarded 8.4 GW of offshore wind capacity in the seventh CfD round (AR7).

Vanguard West and Vanguard East offshore wind projects are almost identical 1545 MW projects, that should be commissioned in 2028/29.

The two projects are 47 km. off the coast of Norfolk.

They will bring their power ashore at Happisburgh and connect underground to the grid at a new substation at Necton.

If I was a Norfolk Nimby, I would feel, that RWE are building these wind farms so as not to annoy the neighbours.

  • They are a fair way out to sea.
  • There appear to be no overhead cables.
  • The support will be handled in a purpose-built facility.

Judding by their actions, I do wonder if RWE are getting a shift on, as they would like to get these wind farms built before the 2029 General Election

 

 

March 23, 2026 Posted by | Energy | , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Liquid Air Alternative To Fossil Fuels

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC Future Web Site.

It is also one of the best articles, I’ve read on the economics of liquid-air energy storage.

This is the sub-heading.

An overlooked technology for nearly 50 years, the world’s largest liquid air energy storage facility is finally set to power up in 2026. It’s hoping to compete with grid-scale lithium batteries and hydro to store clean power, and reduce the need to fall back on fossil fuels.

These three introductory paragraphs add detail to the project.

As the world’s use of renewable electricity soars, surpassing coal for the first time, the need to store that energy when the Sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing is growing in step. While some turn to grid-scale lithium batteries and others to pumped hydro, a small but growing industry is convinced there’s a better solution still: batteries that rely on air.

Near the village of Carrington in north-west England, the foundations are being laid for the world’s largest commercial-scale liquid air energy storage facility, one of the first of its kind. The site will eventually become an array of industrial machinery and a number of large storage tanks, filled with air that has been compressed and cooled so much it has become a liquid, using renewable energy surplus to demand. The stored energy can be discharged later when demand exceeds supply.

If the project succeeds, more will follow. The site’s developers Highview Power are confident that liquid air energy storage will make it easier for countries to replace fossil fuels with clean renewable energy – though at present, the technology is expensive. But as the need for clean energy storage surges, they’re betting the balance will tip in favour of liquid air.

The BBC article, seems to have been written with input from Shaylin Cetegen, a chemical engineer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who studies energy storage systems.

Topics discussed include.

  • The intermittency problem of renewables and how this gives problems for the stability of electricity grids.
  • The switchable nature of fossil-fuel power generation.
  • A big part of the solution is to store the surplus energy so that it can be released when it’s needed. Think of it like an electricity deposit account!
  • For decades, the main form of energy storage has been pumped hydro. In 2021, the world had 160 GW of pumped hydro capacity. The UK has a total of just 3 GW in Scotland and Wales! But more is on the way!
  • Recently, large-scale battery storage systems have risen to the challenge and installed capacity has risen from 55.7 GW in 2023 to 150 GW / 348 GWh in 2025.
  • The liquid air solution is then explained.
  • A grid-scale stop-gap, that is the 30 MW/300 MWh Manchester hybrid liquid-air battery, is then described.
  • In August 2026, the battery is set to begin operating.
  • An alternative way of stabilising the grid will be provided.
  • It will come online in two stages, says Highview Power CEO Richard Butland.
  • Then in 2027 the liquid air storage is expected to begin fully operating.

Highview Power will make money by trading electricity, as pumped storage operators do.

The penultimate section of the article looks at the bottom line and comes to these conclusions.

Instead, she says governments could support the technology. In her study, subsidising the initial capital costs to set up the systems “could be a viable approach to achieve economic viability in the short term”, she says.

Furthermore, faster uptake of renewables would increase energy price volatility, making energy storage more economically viable.

Cetegen makes a final point in favour of liquid air energy storage: it’s cheap. Energy storage technologies are often assessed using a metric called the “levelised cost of storage”, which estimates how much each unit of stored energy costs over the lifespan of the project. For liquid air, this can be as low as $45 (£34) per megawatt-hour – compared to $120 (£89) for pumped hydro and $175 (£130) for lithium-ion batteries.

“While none of these storage methods are likely economically viable right now without policy support, liquid air energy storage stands out as a particularly cost-effective option for large-scale storage,” Cotegen says.

Ultimately, Butland expects electricity grids to rely on a mix of storage technologies. Pumped hydro is extremely effective and works for decades, but it’s location-dependent because it needs a water supply. Meanwhile, batteries are highly efficient and can be placed anywhere, but need to be replaced after about 10 years. Liquid air has the advantage that it can store energy for longer than batteries, with minimal losses.

As any country enters the green transition, its electricity grid needs to be remodelled to cope. “We’re rebuilding all grids globally, based on new generation,” says Butland. And that could well mean a lot of liquid air energy storage.

 

March 21, 2026 Posted by | Energy, Energy Storage | , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Offshore Vessel Charging Tech Developer Plans Commercial Rollout In UK

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.

This is the sub-heading.

Stillstrom, part of A.P. Moller – Maersk and based in Denmark, has established a dedicated entity in Aberdeen, Scotland, with plans to roll out its offshore vessel charging solution commercially in the UK.

These three paragraphs add more details.

The solution is transitioning from development to commercial deployment, and, according to a press release issued by Stillstrom on 16 March, the company is targeting one of the world’s most active offshore wind markets for the commercial rollout.

Stillstrom has been developing offshore charging solutions for service operations vessels (SOVs) since 2019, with testing and collaboration carried out with shipowners and developers in Aberdeen. SOVs are amongst the most energy-intensive ships operating at offshore wind farms, according to Stillstrom.

The company says that this has now translated into tangible momentum, with significant discussions underway with major wind farms, as well as partnership and compatibility agreements signed with leading SOV owners and operators.

March 19, 2026 Posted by | Energy, Transport/Travel | , , , , | Leave a comment

Welsh Government Backs Marine Power Systems’ Floating Wind Tech With GBP 8 Million

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.

This is the sub-heading.

The Welsh government has invested GBP 8 million (approximately EUR 9.4 million) in Marine Power Systems (MPS) to support the commercialisation of its floating offshore wind technology.

These three paragraphs add more detail to the story.

According to the company, the funding will accelerate the deployment of its PelaFlex platform, a floating wind solution designed for deep-water sites where conventional fixed-bottom foundations are not viable.

Marine Power Systems said the investment will help move the technology from advanced development towards commercial-scale deployment and manufacturing. The company also plans to expand its industrial and assembly capabilities in the UK.

The PelaFlex platform has been designed to simplify fabrication, installation and long-term operations while enabling wind farms to be located further offshore where wind speeds are typically stronger and more consistent, MPS says.

The offshore wind industry in Wales seems to be gearing up for a big expansion.

Gwynt Glas is the collective name for the three 1.5 GW floating wind farms in the Western Approaches and in Gwynt Glas And South Wales Ports Combine Strength In Preparation For Multi-Billion Floating Wind Industry, I describe the initial agreement that started the Gwynt Glas project.

To my mind, Associated British Ports and the wind farm developers are making sure they can carpet the Western Approaches, with offshore wind farms.

In Ocean Winds Enters Lease Agreement With Crown Estate For 1.5 GW Celtic Sea Floating Wind Project, I talk in general about the progress of the first three 1.5 GW floating wind farms in Gwynt Glas and in particular about leasing of the third wind farm.

These two posts, indicate that the Port of Port Talbot is preparing itself to produce the floaters for floating wind turbines.

It certainly appears, that South Wales will be able to build the heavyweight gubbins for floating offshore wind.

According to Was South Wales Once The World’s Largest Coal Exporter? it was, and in 1913, the region produced 57 million tons of coal, with more than half exported.

It does look like South Wales is going to repeat the economic success with offshore energy.

I’ve heard tales from elderly Welshmen talking of the coal ships in the docks of South Wales and will we be seeing gas tankers in the docks of South Wales?

March 13, 2026 Posted by | Energy, Finance & Investment | , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

RWE Orders 2.76 GW Of Offshore Wind Turbines At Vestas

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.

This is the sub-heading.

RWE has placed a firm wind turbine order with Vestas for its 1,380 MW Vanguard East offshore wind project in the UK, shortly after confirming a firm order for Vanguard West, which will have the same installed capacity.

These three paragraphs add more details.

For Vanguard East, Vestas will supply, deliver, and commission 92 of its V236-15.0 MW wind turbines, and will also be in charge of servicing them under a five-year service agreement, followed by a long-term operational support agreement.

RWE expects to make a final investment decision (FID) for both Vanguard East and Vanguard West in the summer of 2026, with wind turbine deliveries for Vanguard East to begin in the fourth quarter of 2028.

The commissioning of Vanguard West is expected in 2029, with Vanguard East following suit in 2030.

Note.

  1. On the 23rd of February, 2026, RWE placed a similar order for Vanguard West with Vestas.
  2. In Global Investor Joining RWE On Two Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Projects, FID Expected in Summer, I describe how KKR are taking a stake in the two of the Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Projects.

Things are looking good for RWE, Norfolk and wind power.

 

March 10, 2026 Posted by | Energy | , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How Much Electricity Do You Need To Charge A Garage Full Of Electric Buses?

Consider.

I asked Google AI the question in the title of this post and received this comprehensive answer.

Charging a full garage of electric buses requires massive amounts of electricity, with typical, non-optimized charging for a 100-bus depot capable of drawing nearly 10 megawatts (MW) of power. To put this into perspective, a 100-bus depot might require roughly 150 Megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy to recharge over an eight-hour night.

Key Factors and Energy Requirements

Energy Consumption per Bus: A typical electric bus has a battery capacity between 300-500 kWh. Energy consumption averages around 1.11 to 1.35 kWh/km, with higher consumption in winter or with heavy A/C use.

Total Depot Power: For a 100-bus depot, power requirements can reach 10 MW, equivalent to the power output of a small hydroelectric dam.

Optimal Charging: Using smart charging, a 100-bus depot can reduce its peak demand to around 4 MW.

Daily Usage: A single, large electric bus can consume up to 500 kWh per day, with daily demand ranging from 189 to 231 kWh for typical operations.

Infrastructure and Grid Considerations

Charging Infrastructure: Depots often use 40 kW to 250 kW chargers, with 100 kW common for overnight charging.

Grid Capacity: A 34-bus depot might require a new 1000kVA transformer to handle the load.

Voltage: 11,000 volts may be required to power new substations, which are then stepped down to 400 volts for charging.

Operational Factors Affecting Energy Need

Heating and Cooling: Cold weather can increase energy consumption by up to 45% (due to electric heating).

Driving Style: Inefficient driving can increase energy consumption by 0.24 kWh/km above average.

Regenerative Braking: This can recover 37–40% of energy for 40-60 ft buses.

Cost Implications

Energy Bills: A 100-bus depot can incur monthly energy bills between $112,000 and $515,000 without optimization.

Cost Savings: Electric buses are generally cheaper to fuel, costing ~£0.21/mile compared to £0.49/mile for diesel.

Could A System Based On The Sumitomo/Highview Power System At Hiroshima Charge Electric Buses?

The optimal charging figure for a 100-bus garage would appear to be in the region of 4-5 MW.

In Is Sumitomo Heavy Industries Highview Power Energy Storage System On line At Hiroshima?, I state, that it looks like Highview Power’s CRYOBattery™ at the heart of the system has a capacity of 5 MW/20 MWh.

I also state in the post, that the Hiroshima facility is designed to support grid stability and enhance renewable energy integration.

Does this all mean that if you can install enough solar panels on the roof of the garage or perhaps a wind turbine nearby, that you can have buses substantially powered by the sun and wind.

Chicago would just love wind-powered buses!

 

March 3, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Energy Storage, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Do British And German Offshore Wind Farm Generate Maximum Power At Different Times

In National Grid, TenneT Germany Launch GriffinLink, A First Of A Find Project To Maximise Offshore Wind, I discussed GriffinLink, which will be an offshore link between British and German offshore wind farms.

Somebody has asked me if wind farms are in phase with each other, as obviously this would effect how they perform and are are controlled.

So I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this reply.

Yes, British and German offshore wind farms often generate their maximum power at different times, although they are both located in the North Sea and share similar peak seasons. The variations in generation are driven by localized weather patterns, specifically the movement of low-pressure systems.

Key Differences in Generation Times:

Regional Weather Patterns: While North Sea wind farms are often closely correlated, significant differences arise when weather systems move from west to east. Wind often hits the UK’s North Sea sites first, meaning they may hit maximum generation capacity hours before German or Danish sites, which are further east.

Time of Day (Diurnal Differences): Because UK wind farms are located in the Irish Sea, the Scottish coast, and the North Sea, they can exhibit different diurnal (daily) peak times compared to German sites in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Seasonal Peaks: Both countries experience the highest output during winter months (e.g., December). However, during specific, localized, long-lasting high-pressure systems (“Dunkelflaute”), one country might experience a complete drop in wind while the other continues to produce, or vice versa.

Why They Differ:

Geography: The UK’s extensive, spread-out coastline (Irish Sea, Atlantic coast, North Sea) offers a different wind profile than the more concentrated German offshore projects in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Correlation Challenges: Research shows that while North Sea countries have similar wind profiles, there is not 100% correlation. Meteorological differences in how wind speeds behave across the North Sea allow for complementary production.

This difference is highly advantageous for European energy security, as it allows for the balancing of intermittent wind power across the region.

The conclusion from Google AI, is almost predicting that GriffinLink will be developed. From my experience of mathematical modelling the cost and financial benefits should be fairly easy to predict.

Will The UK And The Republic Of Ireland Link Their Offshore Wind Farms To Improve Efficiency?

This may seem an obvious idea, especially as UK and Republic of Ireland are heavily interconnected.

So I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this section and received this reply.

Yes, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are taking significant, active steps to link their offshore wind farms and electricity grids to improve efficiency, increase renewable energy production, and enhance energy security. Following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2023, the two countries are collaborating on developing subsea energy infrastructure in the Irish and Celtic Seas.

Here are the key details regarding this cooperation:

Deepened Collaboration: As of March 2025, the UK and Ireland are working on a new data-sharing arrangement to lay the groundwork for directly connecting offshore wind farms to each other’s national energy networks.

Offshore Hybrid Assets (OHAs): The plans include developing offshore hybrid assets, which are subsea cables that directly link offshore wind farms to both countries’ grids, reducing infrastructure costs and maximizing efficiency.

Subsea Mapping & Interconnection: Both nations are mapping the Celtic Sea to identify optimal locations for interconnectors and to improve the interoperability of their grids.

Existing & New Projects: While Ireland’s current interconnection to the UK is limited (approx. 500MW), capacity is planned to increase significantly. Specific projects like Mares Connect (linking North Wales and Ireland) are being developed to provide750MW of additional capacity.

Regional Cooperation: Ireland is also participating in the “Hamburg Declaration” (signed Jan 2026), joining the UK and other North Sea countries to commit to 300GW of offshore wind by 2050 through shared, regional infrastructure.

This cooperation aims to allow Ireland to export its surplus renewable energy during high generation, while benefiting from the UK’s robust grid during lower wind conditions.

Will The UK AndNorway Link Their Offshore Wind Farms To Improve Efficiency?

As we have interconnectors with Norway, I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this section and received this reply.

Yes, the UK and Norway are actively planning and implementing initiatives to link their offshore wind farms and electricity grids to improve efficiency, energy security, and grid balancing. Following a series of agreements, including a major pact in January 2026, the two countries are collaborating on “hybrid” projects that connect offshore wind sites directly to multiple countries.

It does look like that the co-operations between the UK and Germany, Norway and the Republic of Ireland are setting examples that should be copied all over the world.

But then, you should always follow the mathematics.

But somehow, I can’t see President Trump signing any windmill co-operation with his neighbours.

February 23, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

National Grid, TenneT Germany Launch GriffinLink, A First Of A Find Project To Maximise Offshore Wind

The title of this post is the sane as that of this press release from National Grid.

These three bullet points serve as sub headings.

  • National Grid and TenneT Germany announce our cooperation on GriffinLink, a planned GB-Germany multi-purpose interconnector (MPI).

  • GriffinLink would support energy security, accelerate the connection of offshore wind and mark a coordinated approach on supply chains and infrastructure.

  • Announced at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg, the project could maximise shared offshore wind resources in the most efficient way.

These two paragraphs add more detail.

National Grid will partner with TenneT Germany to develop GriffinLink, a new multi-purpose interconnector (MPI) project, which could connect British and German offshore wind to both countries. It marks a step towards a more integrated, flexible, and efficient energy system for both Great Britain and Germany which delivers secure, affordable energy for consumers.

GriffinLink could make an important contribution to security of supply and market integration in northwestern Europe. Cross-border hybrid energy systems such as GriffinLink make it possible to feed cleaner electricity into the grid where it can be generated and transport it exactly where it is needed.

Note this integrated approach means.

  1. Better utilisation of the grids and is a more efficient use of renewable energy across national borders;
  2. Lowering the costs involved, and the supply chain materials required and;
  3. A reduced impact on coastal communities and the environment.

As a ‘multi-purpose’ interconnector connecting wind in two countries, GriffinLink would be the first project of its kind in Europe and a milestone for cross-border energy security and stability.

It will also connect the UK’s offshore wind power to someone someone who needs it and will pay good money for it.

I asked Google AI, “How much energy we will be exporting to Europe in 2030” and received this reply.

By 2030, the UK is expected to be exporting significant amounts of electricity to Germany, largely enabled by the NeuConnect interconnector, which is set to become operational around 2028 and will have a capacity of 1.4 GW. While precise, definitive figures for 2030 are subject to market conditions, key data suggests:

NeuConnect Capacity: The 725km subsea link between Kent (UK) and Wilhelmshaven (Germany) will allow 1.4 GW of electricity to flow in either direction.

Net Export Position: The UK is positioned to become a net exporter of electricity to Europe by the 2030s, fueled by a massive expansion in offshore wind capacity, aiming for up to 50GW by 2030.

Grid Interconnection: By 2030, the UK’s total interconnection capacity to Europe is planned to increase to 18GW, up from 8GW.

Hydrogen Focus: In addition to electricity, the UK is exploring the potential to export up to 35 TWh of hydrogen to Germany by 2030.

That will do nicely!

 

February 11, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Hydrogen | , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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