Context

The Danish government has reportedly approved plans for the construction of the first artificial “energy island” in the North Sea.

About

What the energy island?

• The island would act as a hub for offshore wind development, built 80km off the coast of Denmark in the North Sea. 
• The island covers an area of 120,000m², equivalent to 18 football fields.
• Once completed, it would store and supply energy to power nearly three million European households.
• It would also supply green hydrogen for shipping, aviation, industry and heavy transport sectors.

Impact of the development

• The latest move comes as the European Union announced transformation of its electricity system to mostly rely on renewable energy within ten years.
• It will also increase its offshore wind energy capacity approximately by 25 times before 2050.
• The project is part of Denmark’s target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 from 1990 levels