Quality assurance provider Intertek, representing Danish transmission system operator Energinet, has assessed risks for five export cables linked to planned offshore wind farms in the Danish sectors of the North and Baltic Seas.
The assessed export cables will connect offshore wind farms at the North Sea I, Kattegat, and Kriegers Flak II sites to Denmark’s mainland.
Intertek Metoc’s evaluation involved analyzing threats and assessing risks related to the longevity of subsea cables. Using bathymetric, geophysical, and geotechnical survey data, along with vessel and fishing activity data, Intertek identified potential threats and impacts along cable routes. The Cable Burial Risk Assessment recommended burial depths to mitigate risks like fishing gear or ship anchor interactions, ensuring the subsea cables’ reliability and safety, according to the company.
Within the project’s scope, Intertek Metoc conducted a high-level Burial Assessment Study (BAS) to assess various cable installation methods, determining the most effective approach for cable protection and performance. The BAS considered seabed conditions to evaluate the installation efficiency of subsea power cable tools, offering a strategic approach for cable installation, as noted by Intertek.
The offshore wind sites connected to the mainland via export cables will accommodate about 6 GW of offshore wind capacity.
The North Sea I offshore wind area is split into two subareas with a total potential capacity of 3 GW. The Kattegat site can support a minimum of 1 GW capacity, while Kriegers Flak II, comprising North and South sites, also has a minimum capacity of 1 GW.
In October 2024, the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) approved plans for the three areas after environmental reviews and public consultations.
In April 2023, the DEA initiated tenders for North Sea I, Kattegat, Kriegers Flak II, and Hesselø areas. However, in December 2024, the agency reported no offers for the North Sea projects, and in January 2025, suspended tenders for Hesselø, Kattegat II, and Kriegers Flak II due to the ineffectiveness of the no-subsidy model in the current market.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz