Meshed Offshore Networks

A Q methodology approach to assess criteria for Cross-Border Cost Allocation in the North Sea Basin

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Abstract

With the ever so rapid transition towards renewable energy, the offshore electricity transmission system has to expand. Towards 2050, a meshed offshore network is seen as a cost-effective solution to bring electricity to shore. Although there is no "one size fits all", a Cross-Border Cost Allocation procedure is the designated procedure to allocate costs across Member States. To gain insights into key criteria for the cost allocation of a meshed offshore network, Q methodology was used to explore perspectives. The four resulting perspectives showed that for the realisation of a 300 GW meshed offshore network, contributions from non-hosting Member States is essential. However, the current procedure to allocate costs will not be suitable, as there are many points of disagreement to be resolved first. In this regard, the research provides a first understanding of the problems at hand in allocating costs across borders for projects the size of a meshed offshore network.