The connection between the Belgian and Danish energy islands will be delayed, according to predictions by the Danish authorities that indicate that the connection will only be completed in 2033, instead of 2030.
In November 2021, Belgian Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten signed an agreement in Copenhagen on the construction of a hybrid interconnector with Denmark, the so-called Triton Link.
The Danish Government wants to build an energy island in the Danish North Sea, and according to grid operator Elia, the interconnector can connect 3 Gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy to Belgium. Later, this can be gradually increased to 10 GW.
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In February, members of the Parliament's Energy Committee went to Denmark for a working visit. "Apparently, that interconnector would not be ready until 2033, and not 2030," said Ben Achour, who took part in the visit.
The Danish authorities have only recently informed Belgium about the delay, as a new Danish Government took office at the end of 2022, confirmed Van der Straeten, adding that she is planning a meeting with her new colleague.
Yet, she said that her contacts with the former minister, Dan Jorgensen, would indicate that the project is not in jeopardy and still enjoys broad political support.
