Denmark has postponed its North Sea energy island project by at least three years, Danish Climate and Energy Minister Lars Aagaard told financial newspaper Dagbladet Børsen.
The anticipated launch date is now 2036, with the Danes exploring a joint construction endeavour with Germany.
This is not the first shift in Denmark's plans for this unique energy project: high costs previously prompted a governmental decision to reassess and delay tenders.
Belgium and Denmark are considering building a submarine electric line together, named Triton. It is designed to channel surplus energy from Denmark's numerous wind farms to Belgium, which is also developing its own North Sea energy island. The cable will be installed between the two artificial islands.
The impact of the Danish delay on the Triton project is yet to be determined. According to the office of outgoing Belgian Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten, Denmark has been sending mixed signals recently regarding its energy policy – a development Belgium has found disappointing.
Belgium is adamant that it does not intend to pay more than the initial agreement for the Triton project. A memorandum of understanding finalised in 2021 separated costs equally between the two nations.
Van der Straeten's office is also looking into agreements with other countries including the UK, Norway, France, Ireland and the Netherlands as part of this marine interconnection initiative. Europe has labelled Triton as a 'Project of Common Interest' (PCI).
