for the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the North Sea 2016/2017 of the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan Draft

(1)

Draft

of the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan

for the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the North Sea 2016/2017

– unofficial translation –

Hamburg, June 2017

(2)

1 THE SPATIAL OFFSHORE GRID PLAN ... 1

1.1 Legal Basis and Objectives ... 1

1.2 Planning Framework ... 2

1.3 Scope of Application, Legal Nature ... 3

1.4 Instruments of Power System Planning under the Current Legal Situation... 3

1.5 Central Model of Area Development and Preliminary Investigation of Areas from 2026 - EEG 2017 ... 5

Area Development Plan ... 5

1.5.1 Preliminary Investigation of Areas ... 6

1.5.2 Tenders for Preliminary Investigated Areas ... 7

1.5.3 Network Development Plan ... 8

1.5.4 Transitional System: Application Period Spatial Offshore Grid Plan and Network 1.5.5 Development Plan until the End of 2025 ... 8

Transitional System for Existing Offshore Wind Farm Projects for 1.5.6 Commissioning 2021 by the End of 2025 ... 8

2 DRAFT PROCEDURE ... 9

3 INTRODUCTION ... 10

3.1 Legal Framework ...10

3.2 Sense and Purpose of the Standardized Technical Specifications and Planning Principles ...10

3.3 Possibility of Deviating from Specifications and Principles in Individual Cases ...11

4 IDENTIFICATION OF OFFSHORE WIND FARMS FOR COLLECTIVE GRID CONNECTIONS ... 12

4.1 Planning Horizon ...12

Objectives of the Federal Government until 2020 and until 2030 ...12

4.1.1 Scenario Framework and Offshore Network Development Plan – Planning 4.1.2 Horizon until 2030 ...12

Outlook from 2031 to approx. 2035 ...12

4.1.3 4.2 Spatial Definition of Clusters ...13

Clusters included until 2030 ...13

4.2.1 Clusters included from 2031 to approx. 2035 ...13

4.2.2 Cartographic Representation of Clusters Included ...13

4.2.3 4.3 Determination of the Expected Offshore Wind Farm Capacity ...14

Calculation Method for Determining the Capacity ...14

4.3.1 Cluster Capacity Planning Horizon 2030 ...15

4.3.2 Cluster Capacity Planning Horizon from 2031 to approx. 2035 ...16

4.3.3

5 GRID CONNECTIONS FOR OFFSHORE WIND FARMS UNTIL 2030 ... 17

5.1 Technical Concept for Grid Connections ...17

Standardised Technical Specifications ...17

5.1.1 5.2 Sites for Converter Platforms ...18

Standardised Technical Specifications ...18 5.2.1

(3)

Cartographic Representation ...21

5.2.4 5.3 Corridors for Cable Routes for HVDC Subsea Cable Systems ...21

5.3.1 Planning Principles ...22

5.3.2 Spatial Stipulations ...24

5.3.3 Cartographic Representation ...24

5.3.4 5.4 Corridors for Cable Routes for HVAC Subsea Cable Systems ...25

5.4.4 5.5 Corridors for Cable Routes for Cross-Cluster HVAC Subsea Cable Systems ...28

5.5.4 5.6 Cartographic Representation of Grid Connections until 2030 ...32

6 CORRIDORS FOR CROSSBORDER SUBSEA CABLE SYSTEMS (INTERCONNECTORS) ... 33

6.1 Standardised Technical Specifications ...33

6.2 Planning Principles ...34

6.3 Spatial Stipulations ...36

6.4 Cartographic Representation ...37

7 CORRIDORS FOR CABLE ROUTES FOR CROSS CONNECTIONS ... 38

7.4 Cartographic Representation ...41

8 GRID CONNECTIONS FOR OFFSHORE WIND FARMS AND CROSS CONNECTIONS FROM 2031 TO ABOUT 2035 ... 42

Converter Platforms ...44

8.3.1 Gates ...44

8.3.2 HVDC Subsea Cable Systems ...44

8.3.3 Cross Connections ...45

8.3.4 8.4 Cartographic Representation ...45

(4)

10 CONSIDERATION ... 47

11 PROVISIONAL SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT AND MEASURES ENVISAGED CONCERNING MONITORING THE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ... 47

11.1 Provisional Summary Environmental Statement in Accordance with Section 14l Environmental Impact Assessment Act ...47

11.2 Monitoring Programmes in Accordance with Section 14m Environmental Impact Assessment Act ...47

12 ANNEX: MAPS ... 48

List of Illustrations

Map 1: Clusters for Offshore Wind Farms in the North Sea EEZ ...13

Map 2: Sites for Converter Platforms in Offshore Wind Farm Cluster 1 - 8 ...21

Map 3: Corridors for Cable Routes for HVDC Subsea Cable Systems Cluster 1 - 8 ...24

Map 4: Areas for HVAC Subsea Cable Systems and Cross-Cluster HVAC Subsea Cable Systems Cluster 1 - 8 ...31

Map 5: Summarising Depiction of Grid Connections for Offshore Wind Farms until 2030 ...32

Map 6: Representation of Interconnectors ...37

Map 7: Representation of Cross Connections ...41

Map 8: Representation of Grid Connections for Offshore Wind Farms and Cross Connections from 2031 ...45

Map 9: Summary of the Grid Connections for Offshore Wind Farms and Cross Connections ...46

Map 10: North Sea EEZ Maritime Spatial Plan Shipping Routes ...48

Map 11: Subsea Cable Systems, Pipelines, Traffic Separation Scheme Description ...48

Map 12: Offshore Wind Farms and Converter Platforms Descriptions ...49

Map 13: Main Concentration Area for Divers, Descriptions of Nature Conservation Sites and Priority Areas for Wind Energy from the North Sea EEZ Maritime Spatial Plan 49 Map 14: Draft Spatial Offshore Grid Plan-EEZ North Sea 2016/2017 ...50

List of Tables

Table 1: Cluster 1 - 8 with an Assumed Installed Capacity of the Offshore Wind Farms and the Resulting Number of Grid Connection Systems and their Capacity ...15

Table 2: Cluster 9 - 13 with an Assumed Installed Capacity of the Offshore Wind Farms and the Resulting Number of Grid Connection Systems and their Capacity ...16

(5)

1

1 The Spatial Offshore Grid Plan

1.1 Legal Basis and Objectives

In accordance with Section 17a of the Federal Energy Act (EnWG)¹ the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency has set up an offshore grid plan (“Bundesfachplan Offshore” - BFO) for the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Federal Republic of Germany in consultation with the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) and in coordination with the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and the coastal federal states.

According to the statutory assignment, the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan in the first place defines the offshore wind farms which are suitable for collective grid connections. Along with the stipulation of the necessary cable routes and sites for the offshore wind farms’ grid connections, the Spatial Offshore Grid plan contains the cable routes for interconnectors and descriptions of possible cross connections.

It is the goal of the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan to spatially coordinate the existing grid infrastructure and grid topology, particularly in view of the offshore wind farm grid connections in the EEZ, within the parameters given, and to define them in the interests of forward-looking and coordinated overall planning.

The Spatial Offshore Grid Plan is intended to implement the purpose and objectives of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (“Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz” - EEG 2017²). According to Section 1 EEG, the purpose of the Act is to enable a sustainable development of energy supply, in particular in the interests of climate and environmental protection, to reduce the economic costs of energy supply by including long-term external effects, to conserve fossil energy resources and to develop technologies for generation of electricity from renewable energies.

The goal is according to Section 1 (2) EEG to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable energies in electricity consumption to

• between 40 and 45 percent by 2025,

• between 55 and 60 percent by 2035 and

• at least 80 percent by the year 2050.

This expansion shall be continuous, cost-efficient and network-compatible. According to Section 1 (3) EEG this objective also serves to increase the share of renewable energies in the total gross energy consumption to at least 18 percent by the year 2020.

This plan also serves to implement the purpose and objectives of the EnWG.

According to Section 1 EnWG, the purpose of the Act is to provide the most secure, cost- effective, consumer-friendly, efficient and environmentally compatible electricity-related supply of electricity and gas to the general public, which is increasingly based on renewable energies. The regulation of electricity and gas supply networks serves the objectives of ensuring effective and unadulterated competition in the supply of electricity and gas and ensuring a long-term, efficient and reliable operation of energy supply networks. The purpose of this Act is also the implementation and implementation of European Community law in the field of grid-based energy supply. In order to achieve the purpose of the EnWG in the field of grid-based electricity-supply to the general public, the Act pursues in particular the objectives

1 Law of July 7, 2005, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 1970, p. 3621, as last amended by Article 117 Law for the reduction of dispensable formulations of the form in the administrative law of the Federal Republic of 29.03.2017, Federal Law Gazette I p. 626

2 Law of 21 July 2014, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 1066, as last amended by Article 2 of the Act amending the Provisions on electricity generation from cogeneration and self-sufficiency of 22 December 2016, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 3106.

(6)

2

• of strengthening free pricing for electricity through competitive market mechanisms,

• to allow the balancing of supply and demand for electricity in electricity markets at all times,

• to ensure that generation facilities, electrical energy storage facilities and loads are as environmentally friendly as possible, network-compatible, efficient and flexible to the extent necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of the electricity supply system, and

• to strengthen the internal electricity market and to intensify cooperation, in particular with the countries bordering on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as with the Kingdom of Norway and the Kingdom of Sweden.

Since the introduction of the Law for the Development and Promotion of Wind Energy at Sea (Windenergie-auf-See-Gesetz - WindSeeG³) with effect from 01 January 2017, the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan also pursues the purpose and objectives of the WindSeeG. According to Section 1 WindSeeG, its purpose is to expand the use of wind energy at sea, especially in the interest of climate and environmental protection. The goal is to increase the installed capacity of wind power plants at sea from 2021 to a total of 15 gigawatts by the year 2030.

This increase shall be continuous, cost-efficient and taking account of the network capacities required for the acceptance, transmission and distribution of the electricity.

The expansion of wind power plants at sea and the expansion of the offshore grid connections are therefore to be coordinated with each other, taking into account the grid connection points on land, and a synchronization of the respective plans, approvals, erections and commissioning shall be achieved.

The most recent Spatial Offshore Grid Plan for the North Sea EEZ is the “BFO-N 2013/2014”

as well as the “BFO-N 2016, Teil 1 (Clusterübergreifende Anbindungen)”.

1.2 Planning Framework

With the Ordinance on Spatial Planning in the German Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea (AWZ Nordsee-ROV)⁴ of 12th December 2009, there is a spatial plan available for the North Sea (Annex on Section 1 AWZ Nordsee-ROV – hereinafter: Maritime Spatial Plan).

According to Section 17a (1) Clause 2 No. 1 EnWG, compliance with the requirements of spatial planning in terms of Section 3 Federal Spatial Planning Act⁵ must be checked.

According to Section 4 (1) Federal Spatial Planning Act, when the current plan is compiled, the spatial planning goals must be observed and the principles and other spatial planning requirements considered in decisions based on deliberations and discretion.

In principle, the current plan completes the framework set out by the Maritime Spatial Plan.

The plan has the same accuracy such as the Maritime Spatial Plan that corresponds to the scale 1:400000. The fundamental spatially-significant stipulations in this plan are in the identification of offshore wind farms which are related in a spatial context and suitable for collective grid connections and in the site, cable route and corridor planning for grid connection systems.

Proceeding from the conditions ascertained, the technical requirements and the priority areas for wind energy already determined in the Maritime Spatial Plan, the plan identifies clusters of offshore facilities for collective grid connections. The clusters, as far as they go beyond the priority areas stipulated for wind energy thus far, create the conditions for the ordered further development of the grid connection systems which were only sketched out as suggestions in

3 Law of 21 July 2014, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 1066, as last amended by Article 2 of the Act amending the Provisions on electricity generation from cogeneration and self-sufficiency of 22 December 2016, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 3106.

4 Federal Law Gazette I p. 3107.

5 Law of December 22, 2008, Federal Law Gazette I p. 2986, most recently amended by Art. 124 Tenth Regulatory Adjustment Ordinance of 31.08.2015, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 1474.

(7)

3 the Maritime Spatial Plan. This corresponds in particular to the existing Federal Spatial Planning Act principle of an economic use of space.

In view of the stipulation of cable routes for cables transmitting electricity towards shore, the sectoral plan continues to develop the stipulation of target corridors to the territorial sea in the Maritime Spatial Plan. This is done taking into account the progressing technical experience and on the basis of the identified clusters and the requirements of spatial planning.

A large part of the plan's remaining stipulations, in particular regarding standardised technical specifications and planning principles, generally derive from the existing Maritime Spatial Plan or they implement it. Due to the degree of detail, a range of further technical stipulations do not find any equivalent in the Maritime Spatial Plan; instead, they express the sectoral, in this respect independent, planning carried out.

1.3 Scope of Application, Legal Nature

The plan's scope of application comprises the spatial identification of offshore wind farms which are suitable for collective grid connections and the spatial stipulation of cable routes for subsea cable systems and sites for converter platforms in the German North Sea EEZ.

The grid topology is spatially defined and stipulated within the North Sea EEZ. In addition, the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan contains standardised technical specifications and planning principles necessary to determine the spatial requirements and for overall coordination. With these specifications, it is intended that a reliable planning basis is created without preventing technical progress. The plan therefore corresponds to the nature of sectoral planning.

According to the currently applicable legal situation, the grid plan will become legally binding through an update of the Maritime Spatial Plan for the EEZ of the North Sea. The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure is the responsible body for updating this regulation pursuant to Section 17 (3) Clause 1 Federal Spatial Planning Act. In late 2012, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency submitted an evaluation report which states the need to update the spatial planning in the EEZ in relation to the sectoral grid planning.

During Section 17a (5) EnWG the stipulations of the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan are legally binding for planning approval procedures in accordance with the provisions of the Marine Facilities Ordinance (“Seeanlagenverordnung” – SeeAnLV).

From a spatial perspective, the plan's scope of application extends to the German EEZ, according to the statutory allocation of powers in Section 17a (1) Clause 1 EnWG. Therefore, there is no stipulation of cable routes going beyond the borders of the German EEZ. The circumstance that particularly the cable routes for subsea cable systems stipulated spatially in the EEZ must be added to an overall system consistent up to the grid connection points onshore is accommodated in the consultation and coordination requirement with the Federal Network Agency, the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation and the coastal federal states for the North Sea region Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. In this respect, close consultation is carried out. This applies, in particular, to the stipulation of the gates on the border of the EEZ and the 12 nm zone.

1.4 Instruments of Power System Planning under the Current Legal Situation

Scenario Framework

Pursuant to Section 12a EnWG, the transmission system operators (TSO) must draw up a common scenario framework every two years. This scenario framework includes at least three development paths (scenarios A, B and C) covering the range of probable developments within the medium- and long-term energy policy objectives of the Federal Government for at least the next ten and at most 15 years. One of the scenarios must represent the probable development for at least the next 15 and at most 20 years. The scenario framework is the basis for the compilation of the Network Development Plan

(8)

4 (“Netzentwicklungsplan” - NEP) pursuant to Section 12b EnWG and the Offshore Network Development Plan (“Offshore-Netzentwicklungsplan” – O-NEP) pursuant to Section 17b EnWG and was approved by the Federal Network Agency in compliance with Section 12a (3) EnWG after conducting a consultation and examination.

Offshore Network Development Plan and Network Development Plan

According to Section 17b EnWG, the transmission system operators must submit to the Federal Network Agency the O-NEP for the German EEZ and the territorial sea up to and including the grid connection points onshore together with the NEP according to Section 17b EnWG for confirmation.

By taking into account the specifications of the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan the O-NEP must contain all effective measures for the optimization, reinforcement and expansion of the offshore grid connections, which must be implemented at the latest at the end of the period under review within the meaning of Section 12a (1) sentence 2 EnWG, which are necessary for a gradual, appropriate and economic expansion as well as a safe and reliable operation of the offshore grid connection.

The O-NEP therefore specifies the specific chronological order of implementation of the grid connection systems for the next ten and at most 15 years as well as an additional outlook for the next 15 and at most 20 years.

The transmission system operators have to submit in every even calendar year, starting in 2016, a Network Development Plan (NEP) according to Section 12b (1) EnWG, which must include, amongst other things, all effective measures for the needs-based optimisation, reinforcement and expansion of the grid which are necessary no later than the end of the period of observation within the meaning of the scenario framework under Section 12a (1) Sentence 2 EnWG.

Allocation of Offshore Grid Connection Capacities according to WindSeeG

As a result of the WindSeeG, the Federal Network Agency will auction offshore capacity from the year 2017 onwards (and for pilot wind energy turbines at sea already partly in 2016) according to the new tendering procedure of the WindSeeG. The procedure is governed by Section 34 WindSeeG.

Ten Year Network Development Plan

According to Article 8 (3 (b)) of Regulation (EC) No. 714/2009, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) will adopt a non-binding Community-wide decennial network development plan (“Community-wide network development plan”) including a European generation adequacy outlook, every two years. In this context, the European transmission system operators published a so-called Ten Year Network Development Plan in its final and consulted version on 20 December 2016 (TYNDP 2016). This plan contains trans-regional and international expansion measures which are significant for transboundary European energy transmission. The results developed at national level in the NEP and O-NEP will be included in the relevant TYNDP.

Spatial Offshore Grid Plan

The Spatial Offshore Grid Plan stipulates the cable routes, corridors for cable routes or sites for the O-NEP measures to be confirmed based on standardised technical specifications and planning principles. This plan for the North Sea comprises the technical and spatial stipulations for the German North Sea EEZ.

The corresponding plan for the Baltic Sea EEZ is being compiled in a separate procedure.

(9)

5

1.5 Central Model of Area Development and Preliminary Investigation of Areas from 2026 - EEG 2017

On 1 January 2017 the EEG 2017 entered into force.

In the course of the EEG reform, the EnWG was amended and the WindSeeG was introduced. In the case of offshore wind energy, the conversion of the promotion regime under the Renewable Energy Sources Act 2014 (EEG 2014) is fundamentally new to a competitive determination of the market premium through tenders.

With the WindSeeG, the statutory framework for a so-called central model of the area development and preliminary investigation of areas is introduced for wind power plants at sea, which are going into operation from 2026 onwards.

From 2026 onwards the task of offshore grid planning and development will be carried out by the Area Development Plan (Section 4 et seq. WindSeeG), the preliminary investigation of areas (Section 9 et seq. WindSeeG) and the tendering of preliminary investigated areas (Section 14 et seq. WindSeeG).

Area Development Plan 1.5.1

The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency is, according to Section 4 et seq. WindSeeG responsible for the establishment, amendment and updating of the Area Development Plan (“Flächenentwicklungsplan” – FEP).

From 2026 until at least 2030, the Area Development Plan meets planning stipulations for the EEZ, and can also make planning stipulations for the territorial sea in accordance with an administrative agreement between Federal Government and the respective federal state concerned.

According to Section 5 (4) WindSeeG, the Area Development Plan makes the following stipulations:

• Territories or areas and their chronological order in which the defined areas are to come to the tender by the Federal Network Agency

• Calendar years in which the wind turbines are to be installed at sea and the corresponding offshore grid connection are to be put into operation on the defined areas

• The expected output to be installed of wind turbines at sea in the territories/areas (700 to 900 megawatts and an average of no more than 840 megawatts at each bid date and commissioning from 2026 onwards)

• Sites for converter platforms, bundling platforms and if possible transformer substation platforms

• Cable routes or corridors for offshore grid connections

• Locations where the grid connections for offshore wind farms cross the border between the Exclusive Economic Zone and the territorial sea (so called gates)

• Cable routes or corridors for cable routes for interconnectors or possible cross connections between the facilities of the offshore grid connections

• Standardised technical specifications and planning principles.

For the period from 2021 onwards, the Area Development Plan may provide offshore grid connection capacities available for areas in the EEZ and in the territorial sea on existing or in the following years still to be completed offshore grid connections, which can be allocated to pilot wind energy turbines at sea.

Spatial requirements for the construction of pilot wind energy turbines at sea can be made and the technical characteristics of the offshore grid connection and the resulting technical prerequisites for the grid connection of pilot wind energy turbines at sea can be specified.

(10)

6 When stipulating the areas and the chronological order of their call for tenders, the following criteria are examined by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency according to Section 5 (4) WindSeeG:

• The efficient use and utilization of the offshore grid connections that already exist at the time the Area Development Plan is drawn up or the offshore grid connections are unconditionally confirmed in the Offshore Network Development Plan,

• The orderly and efficient planning, construction, commissioning, utilization and exploitation of the offshore grid connections and grid connection points to be completed on land in 2026 and the following years; by taking into consideration the planning and actual development of networks on land,

• The proximity to the coast,

• Conflict of usage on an area,

• The probable actual construction feasibility of an area,

• the expected power to be installed on one area and the resulting suitability of the area for cost-effective electricity generation and

• a balanced distribution of the tender volume on areas in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea taking into account the overall potential.

The stipulations are made in such a way that wind turbines at sea with an expected installed capacity of 700 to 900 megawatts and of an average of no more than 840 megawatts are published at every bid date and are put into operation from year 2026 per calendar year.

In addition to the establishment, amendment and updating of the Area Development Plan, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency is conducting a Strategic Environmental Assessment.

The first Area Development Plan has to be announced by 30 June 2019 (Section 6 para. 8 WindSeeG).

Preliminary Investigation of Areas 1.5.2

The Federal Network Agency is responsible for the preliminary investigation of areas according to Section 11 para. 1 Sentence 1 WindSeeG. In accordance with Section 11 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 2 WindSeeG, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency is commissioned to carry out the preliminary investigation for areas in the EEZ in accordance with the administrative agreement of March 2017. The Maritime and Hydrographic Agency thus performs the tasks of the agency responsible for the preliminary investigation within the meaning of the Act pursuant to Section 11 para. 2 sentence 1 WindSeeG.

The preliminary investigation of areas is carried out with the aim that the Federal Network Agency tenders the appropriate areas according to Section 16 et seq. WindSeeG. The tenderer must subsequently carry out a plan approval procedure for the construction and operation of wind energy turbines at sea according to Section 44 et seq. WindSeeG at the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.

Pursuant to Section 9 (1) of the WindSeeG, the preliminary investigation is carried out with the aim of

• providing the bidders with the information necessary for a competitive determination of the market premium pursuant to Section 22 EEG and

• to determining the suitability of the areas and to examine individual objects of inspection in advance in order to speed up the subsequent plan approval procedure on these areas. The procedure for carrying out the preliminary investigation including the suitability test of areas defined in the Area Development Plan development plan is based on Section 12 WindSeeG.

A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) must also be carried out.

According to Section 9 (3) WindSeeG, the preliminary investigation of areas is to be carried out in such a way that prior to the publication of the invitation to tender the preliminary

(11)

7 investigation of at least the areas has been completed which are to be invited to tender following the Area Development Plan in this and the following calendar year.

In detail, the following steps are provided by law:

The competent authority shall announce the initiation of the procedure for the preliminary investigation of an area pursuant to Section 73 WindSeeG.

Immediately after the initiation of the procedure, the competent authority shall conduct a hearing. The purpose and scope of the preliminary investigation measures are to be discussed. In particular, the extent and level of detail to be included in the environmental report according to Section 14g of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (“Gesetz über die Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung” - UVPG) are to be discussed. The hearing date is at the same time a discussion within the meaning of Section 14f para. 4 sentence 2 UVPG. In addition to the intended invitations, the public is informed in accordance with Section 73 WindSeeG by notice on the website of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency and in the notices to mariners (“Nachrichten für Seefahrer” - NfS). The hearing is public.

On the basis of the results of the hearing, the competent authority shall establish an investigation framework for the preliminary investigation of the area, including the scope of the SEA, at its discretion.

The competent authority shall assert the information pursuant to Section 10 para. 1 WindSeeG, the defined investigation framework, determine the suitability and the power to be installed.

The first preliminary investigations are to be started as soon as clarity is reached on the areas eligible for a preliminary investigation after the last tender for existing projects. The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency expects this to be the case in summer 2018 (see also chapter 1.5.6).

If the area is suitable for tender, this result and the power to be installed on this area are determined by a legal order. The suitability determination may include requirements for the future offshore wind farm project, in particular on the type and extent of the development of the area and its position on the area, if otherwise, by the installation and operation of wind energy turbines on this area impairments of the criteria and interests pursuant to Section 10 para 2 WindSeeG are to be procured.

The information required according to the UVPG will be made available for inspection and the appropriate place and time are made known.

If the suitability test reveals that the area is not suitable for the tender, the competent authority shall announce this result, transmit the result to the responsible transmission system operator and update the Area Development Plan.

At the end of the procedure, the information including the investigation results, the documents from the preliminary investigation as well as the power to be installed shall be transmitted to the Federal Network Agency, if the suitability of the area has been determined.

Tenders for Preliminary Investigated Areas 1.5.3

The invitation to tender for the areas for which suitability has been determined is provided by the Federal Network Agency according to Section 16 et seq. WindSeeG.

In accordance with Section 17 sentence 1 WindSeeG, Federal Network Agency tender a volume of 700 to 900 megawatts annually from the year 2021 on. Six months before this date, the Federal Network Agency publishes the invitation to tender pursuant to Section 19 WindSeeG, including the respective information and documents provided by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency pursuant to Section 10 para. 1 WindSeeG, with the further legally provided information.

(12)

8 Network Development Plan

1.5.4

The coordination of the offshore grid planning and expansion with the network expansion on land will continue by close coordination with the Network Development Plan pursuant to Section 12b EnWG, for which the transmission network operators and the Federal Network Agency are still responsible.

Transitional System: Application Period Spatial Offshore Grid Plan and Network 1.5.5

Development Plan until the End of 2025

The transition from the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan and the Offshore Network Development Plan into the Area Development Plan is regulated by law in Section 7 of the WindSeeG.

According to this, from the year 2026 onwards the stipulations made so far in the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan will be replaced by the stipulations made in the Area Development Plan.

The stipulations made so far in the Offshore Network Development Plan will partly be included in the specifications made in the Area Development Plan and partly in the specifications made in the Network Development Plan.

Pursuant to Section 17a para 7 EnWG, the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan will no longer be drawn up as of December 31 2017. As from 1 January 2018 the transmission system operators will no longer provide an Offshore Network Development Plan.

Transitional System for Existing Offshore Wind Farm Projects for 1.5.6

Commissioning 2021 by the End of 2025

The WindSeeG provides for a transitional phase for the period of commissioning of offshore wind power turbines between 2021 and the end of 2025.

For the transitional phase Section 27 para. 2 WindSeeG stipulates that existing offshore wind farm projects within the meaning of Section 26 WindSeeG can participate in two tenders (01 March 2017 and 01 March 2018) for grid connection capacity of 1,550 MW each.

The Federal Network Agency is obliged to make known the conditions of the invitation to tender in accordance with Section 29 WindSeeG, and in accordance with Section 26 no. 5 WindSeeG, to specify in which cases cross-cluster connections are in the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan pursuant to Section 17a EnWG and in the confirmed Offshore Network Development Plan pursuant to Section 17b and 17c et seq. EnWG and to what extent additional grid connection capacity is available in the cluster which can be cross connected.

On the basis of these legal requirements, the update part 1, 2016, of the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan contains the exceptionally cross-cluster connections, published on 9 December 2016.

(13)

9

2 Draft Procedure

Summarised Overview of the Fundamental Procedural Steps

Publication of Spatial Offshore Grid Plan 2016, Part 1, Cross-Cluster Connections on 9 December 2016

Determination of update requirements

Letter to TSOs as well as relevant manufacturers and operators' associations on the standardized technical specifications and possible technical innovations for grid connection concepts

Development draft update Spatial Offshore Grid Plan 2016/2017 and SEA report Introduction Participation (national and international)

Public disclosure and publication of the draft documents

Deadline for national and international responding to draft documents Public Hearing Meeting

Consideration statements and objections

Coordination with the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, the coastal federal states, possibly other parties

Agreement with the Federal Network Agency Publication

(14)

10

3 Introduction

The development of a strategically planned grid topology for the transmission of energy is of enormous significance for the power supply using renewable energy sources. A systematic and efficient grid expansion is an essential requirement, above all for the accelerated expansion of offshore wind energy.

In order to legally stipulate the cable routes and sites necessary for the grid topology in the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency was given the task of spatially planning the grid connection systems in the EEZ within the sense of a coordinated, overall system.

The following chapters will illustrate in more detail the individual subject matters of Section 17a (1) Clause 2 No. 1 to 7 EnWG. The structure is following the statutory specifications.

3.1 Legal Framework

According to the legal requirements, the plan contains stipulations regarding:

1. Offshore facilities (offshore wind farms) in spatial context and suitable for collective grid connections (Chapter 4).

2. Cable routes and corridors for cable routes for grid connections for offshore wind farms (Chapter 5.3 and 8),

3. Locations where the grid connections for offshore wind farms cross the border between the Exclusive Economic Zone and the territorial sea (gates, Chapter 5.3.2.3 and 8.3.2),

4. Sites for converter or transformer substation platforms (Chapters 4 and 5.2), 5. Cable routes or corridors for cable routes for interconnectors (Chapter 6)

6. Cable routes or corridors for cable routes for possible cross connections between the facilities and cable routes mentioned in 1, 2, 4 and 5 (Chapter 7) and

7. Standardised technical specifications and planning principles.

When creating the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan for the North Sea, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency will examine whether the stipulations are obstructed by any predominant public or private concerns. The following will be examined in particular:

• Compliance with spatial planning requirements

• Coordination with other spatially significant planning and measures

• Alternatives to cable routes, corridors for cable routes or sites to be given serious consideration.

3.2 Sense and Purpose of the Standardized Technical Specifications and Planning Principles

The stipulation of planning principles and standardized technical specifications is a mandatory prerequisite for the concrete determination of the required space of the entire network topology within the scope of the BFO-N.

The aim of stipulating standardized technical specifications and planning principles is to provide a basis for a systematic and coordinated overall planning. Otherwise, the required space could not be determined with the necessary precision for a space-saving planning.

The technical network connection concept of the TSO serves as a starting point for defining the standardized technical specifications.

The planning principles are based on the objectives and principles of the Maritime Spatial Plan. In the context of the establishment of the Maritime Spatial Plan, an overall assessment

(15)

11 of the uses has already been made. The relevant objectives and principles are predominantly taking over as planning principles in the BFO-N and are examined - with regard to the applicability concerning to the regulatory objects on the basis of the submitted interests and rights - , concretized and weighted by their importance against each other.

The stipulation of standardized technical specifications and planning principles is already based on a weighing of possible public concerns and legal positions (see the justification of the individual specifications and principles), so that the stipulation of standardized technical specifications and planning principles already includes a "preliminary examination" of possible alternatives.

3.3 Possibility of Deviating from Specifications and Principles in Individual Cases

The standardized technical specifications, defined in the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan and implemented in the spatial planning, as well as the planning principles have to be understood as principles, which can be deviated from in a justified case. In the context of the implementation of the specifications and principles within spatial planning of the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan deviations from individual principles had to be made, because in individual cases not all principles could or can be implemented simultaneously due to existing framework conditions. Therefore they must be weighed against each other. In the corresponding chapters the deviations from the principles are described and justified.

If a deviation is required it must be submitted in the individual approval procedures as well as in the procedure of updating the plan while it has to be justified comprehensibly and plausibly. It is essential that the deviation achieves the pursued objectives and purposes in an equivalent manner or do not affect them significantly.

Any deviation is to be justified plausible and comprehensible in the individual licensing procedure for each principle or technical specification. In this context the project sponsor has to argue the compliance with the legal requirements in the individual licensing procedure, i. e.

in particular represent the following and submit for verification:

• Possible impacts on public and private concerns and interests (including the network users),

• Agreement or consent with or from affected third parties and

• Consideration of the economical and gentle use of the area within the meaning of Section 2 (2) No. 6 ROG

In the case of an overall assessment, it is necessary for the deviation to fulfill the objectives and purposes of the relevant principle and the plan in an equivalent manner, respectively not significantly affect the objectives and purposes. The deviation must not affect the basic intention of the plan. Following the principles developed within the framework of the ROG, particular atypical individual cases can be an indication of such deviations.

Standardized technical specifications and planning principles for the objects of regulation are shown below and implemented in spatial planning. The spatial definitions are described in text form and illustrated cartographically.

(16)

12

4 Identification of Offshore Wind Farms for Collective Grid Connections

According to Section 17a (1) Sentence 2 No. 1 EnWG, wind energy turbines are to be identified at sea, which are suitable for collective grid connections. According to the definition in Section 3 No. 49 Renewable Energy Sources Act 2017 in conjunction with Section 3 (7) WindSeeG, an "wind energy turbine at sea" is defined as any installation for the generation of electricity from wind energy which has been constructed at sea at a distance of at least three nautical miles from the coastal line from the sea. Several offshore wind energy turbines form an offshore wind farm.

When identifying offshore wind farms which are suitable for collective grid connections, offshore wind farms in the North Sea EEZ are identified in the first place with regard to the planning horizon, which are principally suitable, according to the point of reference available to the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, for the expansion path of the EEG 2017.

4.1 Planning Horizon

Objectives of the Federal Government until 2020 and until 2030 4.1.1

In Section 4, No. 2 EEG, the expansion path for offshore wind energy is regulated by an increase in the installed capacity of wind turbines at sea to 6,500 megawatts in 2020 and 15,000 megawatts in 2030.

Scenario Framework and Offshore Network Development Plan – Planning 4.1.2

Horizon until 2030

The scenarios approved by the Federal Network Agency according to Section 12a EnWG form the basis for the development of the Network Development Plan and the Offshore Network Development Plan.

In particular, the targets set out in Section 4 No. 2 EEG - 6,500 megawatts in 2020 and 15,000 megawatts in 2030 - as well as the objectives set out in Section 1 WindSeeG are to be taken as a basis for a steady and cost-efficient expansion of wind energy at sea.

According to Section 27 (4) WindSeeG the volume of tenders will lead to an expansion of

• 500 MW in 2021 (exclusively in the Baltic Sea)

• 500 MW in 2022,

• 700 MW in 2023,

• 700 MW in 2024 and

• 700 MW in 2025.

The second draft of the O-NEP 2030 provides a total of six offshore grid connections for the North Sea.

In line with the period under consideration of the scenario framework and the O-NEP 2030, a planning horizon until 2030 will also be used as part of this plan.

Outlook from 2031 to approx. 2035 4.1.3

In addition, with a view to the Area Development Plan for the period from 2026 to at least 2030, a planning horizon from 2031 to approx. 2035 will be used.

The period under consideration until 2035 corresponds to that of scenario B 2035 of the scenario framework.

(17)

13

4.2 Spatial Definition of Clusters

According to Section 17a (1) Clause 2 No. 1 EnWG, the grid connections for offshore wind farms must generally be implemented as collective grid connections. Therefore, the stipulation of the spatial determination of the offshore wind farms shall take place via the determination of so called clusters. Clusters should be understood as a number of offshore wind farms which are spatially connected to one another.

This plan identifies a total of 13 clusters which are suitable for collective grid connections.

The identification of the clusters is based in particular on the stipulations of the spatial planning as well as the consideration of further existing uses and territorial definitions. Maps of the approved uses and protected areas as well as defined areas can be found in chapter 12 (Annexes). For further explanation, please refer to the comments in chapter 4.2.1 BFO-N 2013/2014.

Clusters included until 2030 4.2.1

This plan identifies cluster 1 - 8 which are suitable for collective grid connections for the period until 2030.

Clusters included from 2031 to approx. 2035 4.2.2

This plan identifies cluster 9 - 13 which are suitable for collective grid connections for the period from 2031 to approx. 2035.

Cartographic Representation of Clusters Included 4.2.3

Map 1: Clusters for Offshore Wind Farms in the North Sea EEZ

(18)

14

4.3 Determination of the Expected Offshore Wind Farm Capacity

Calculation Method for Determining the Capacity 4.3.1

Calculation Method for determining the capacity cluster 1 to 8

The stated power of clusters 1 to 8 is a prognosis - with the exception of the offshore wind farms that are already in operation or under construction - which is intended to meet the purpose of the securing of areas.

In the case of projects which are already in operation or under construction, the power which has been or will be built is taken as a basis. With regard to the approved offshore wind farms the approved power and for planned offshore wind farms the power which offshore wind farm developers have given to the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency is taken as a basis.

Calculation Method for determining the capacity cluster 9 to 13

For the clusters 9 to 13 a so-called "area approach" is used, since it is unpredictable which wind turbines with which power according to the prior art will be used in the future.

For spatial planning, an output of 14 megawatts per square kilometer (MW/km²) is assumed.

In summary, the capacity assumed in the individual clusters is outlined as follows:

(19)

15 Cluster Capacity Planning Horizon 2030

4.3.2

Table 1: Cluster 1 - 8 with an Assumed Installed Capacity of the Offshore Wind Farms and the Resulting Number of Grid Connection Systems and their Capacity

Wind farm cluster

approx. MW / cluster

Number of cable

systems Transmission capacity [MW]

Cluster 1 900 1 900

Cluster 2 1,650 2

800 60¹⁾ 900

Cluster 3 2,600 3

916 900 900

Cluster 4 1,150 2

576 690

Cluster 5 1,350 2

864 900

Cluster 6 1,200⁶⁾ 2

400 800²⁾

Cluster 7 2,000 2

900 900

Cluster 8 1,300³⁾ 1 900⁴⁾

Σ 12,150⁵⁾ 16 12,306

North Sea territorial sea

(for information only) 219 2 224

1) Offshore wind farm “alpha ventus”: Three-phase current connection from transformer plant

2) The conditional grid connection commitment of the offshore wind farm "Demonstrationsprojekt Albatros" of 50 MW was transferred to NOR-6-2 from the Federal Network Agency by decision (reference number BK6- 15-168) from 28 January 2016. The offshore wind farm "Albatros" has a capacity pursuant of 66.8 MW on NOR-6-2 allocated by the Federal Network Agency (reference number BK6-15-010-Z4) of 24 November 2015. Within the scope of the planning approval of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency of 23 December 2016 the "Demonstrationsprojekt Albatros" has been taken up in "Albatros".

3) The offshore wind farm "Global Tech I" with a capacity of 400 MW is currently connected to cluster 6 (NOR-6-2). The relocation decision of the Federal Network Agency (reference number BK6-14-127) of 23 March 2015 provides that the project will be connected to cluster 8 (NOR-8-1). The area approach is used for the remaining area in cluster 8.

4) The offshore wind farm "EnBW Hohe See" has a capacity pursuant of 450 MW on NOR-8-1 allocated by the Federal Network Agency (reference number BK6-14-129-Z5) of 28 January 2015. The decision is final.

In addition, a capacity pursuant of 50 MW on NOR-6-2 has been allocated to the offshore wind farm by the Federal Network Agency on 24 November 2015 (reference number BK6-15-010-Z3 - Note: has not yet taken final effect against an offshore wind farm developer). The 50 MW allocated by resolution (reference number BK6-15-010-Z3) of 24 November 2015 was transferred to NOR-8-1 by resolution (reference number BK6-15-168) of 28 January 2016 of the Federal Network Agency.

5) The sites for offshore wind farms applied for which fall under the scope of the extension and amendment of 15 June 2015 development freeze of 15 June 2012 will not be considered.

6) Cross-cluster connection between clusters 6 and 7 planned.

(20)

16 Cluster Capacity Planning Horizon from 2031 to approx. 2035

4.3.3

Table 2: Cluster 9 - 13 with an Assumed Installed Capacity of the Offshore Wind Farms and the Resulting Number of Grid Connection Systems and their Capacity

Wind farm cluster Area [km²]

Estimated capacity of planned wind farms per area [MW/km²]

Area approach capacity [MW]

Number of cable systems

Transmission capacity [MW]

Cluster 9 ca. 196 14 2,744 3

900 900 900

Cluster 10 ca. 162 14 2,268 3

900 900 900

Cluster 11 ca. 346 14 4,844 5

900 900 900 900 900

Cluster 12 ca. 237 14 3,318 4

900 900 900 900

Cluster 13 ca. 228 14 3,192 4

900 900 900 900

Σ 16,366 19 17,100

(21)

17

5 Grid Connections for Offshore Wind Farms until 2030

According to Section 17d (1) Clause 1 EnWG, the responsible transmission system operator (TSO) must secure the grid connection of offshore wind farms or, according to the specifications of the O-NEP confirmed by the Federal Network Agency or as of 1 January 2019 according to the specifications of the NEP and the Area Development Plan, construct and operate it. It is the task of this plan to spatially determine the necessary cable routes and sites for the entire grid topology in the North Sea EEZ up to the border of the 12 nm zone within the framework of the existing parameters.

The spatial planning is developed on the basis of standardised technical specifications and planning principles. The stipulation of the technical concept for grid connections, which forms the basis for the definition of the individual principles, is central for determining and securing of the areas required for the grid connection of offshore wind farms. Based on this, standardised technical specifications and planning principles will be stipulated individually for the regular components of the grid connections. The necessary spatial requirements will be determined on the basis of the standardised technical specifications and planning principles, cartographically represented and stipulated.

5.1 Technical Concept for Grid Connections

Standardised Technical Specifications 5.1.1

Summary

• Use of high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology

• High voltage direct current system (HVDC): Voltage-sourced converter (VSC) transmission technology, standard transmission voltage +/- 320 kV, standard capacity 900 MW

• Use of three-phase high voltage alternating current (HVAC) technology for the connection of the converter platforms with transformer platforms of the offshore wind farms

• High voltage alternating current system (HVAC): Standard transmission voltage 155 kV

5.1.1.1 Use of high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology

Grid connections for offshore wind farms will be set up using HVDC technology.

5.1.1.2 HVDC system: Voltage-sourced converter technology

The HVDC system on the converter platform is implemented as voltage-sourced converter technology direct current transmission.

5.1.1.3 HVDC system: Transmission voltage +/- 320 kV

The HVDC system on the converter platform is implemented with a standard voltage level of +/- 320 kV.

5.1.1.4 HVDC system: Standard capacity 900 MW

The HVDC system of the converter platform is implemented with a standard capacity of 900 MW.

(22)

18 5.1.1.5 Use of three-phase high voltage alternating current (HVAC) technology for the connection of the converter platforms with transformer platforms of the offshore wind farms

Grid connections for the connection of the converter platforms with transformer platforms of the offshore wind farms will be set up using three-phase HVAC technology.

5.1.1.6 HVAC system: Standard transmission voltage 155 kV

The HVAC three-phase current side of the converter platform is implemented with a standard transmission voltage of 155 kV.

5.2 Sites for Converter Platforms

A converter platform is defined as the transmission system operator’s platform in the North Sea on which the power arriving from the offshore wind farms’ substations is bundled, transformed and converted.

Pursuant to Section 17a (1) Clause 2 No. 4 and 7 EnWG, the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan contains stipulations regarding sites for converter platforms and standardised technical specifications and planning principles.

Summary

• High voltage direct current system (HVDC): Voltage-sourced converter (VSC) transmission technology, standard transmission voltage +/- 320 kV, standard capacity 900 MW

• Construction of two platforms in direct proximity to one another

• High voltage alternating current system (HVAC): Transmission voltage 155 kV

• Requirement for type and number of control panels

• Preparation for cross connections

5.2.1.1 Use of high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology

The HVDC system on the converter platform will be implemented as voltage-sourced converter technology direct current transmission.

5.2.1.3 HVDC system: Transmission voltage +/- 320 kV

The HVDC system on the converter platform will be implemented with a standard voltage level of +/- 320 kV.

The HVDC system of the converter platform will be implemented with a standard capacity of 900 MW.

5.2.1.5 Construction of two platforms in direct proximity to one another

Converter platforms will be developed according to a so-called “mother-daughter concept”, meaning that two platforms are constructed in direct proximity to one another and connected via a structural as well as electrical bridge.

(23)

19 5.2.1.6 HVAC system: Standard transmission voltage 155 kV

The HVAC three-phase current side of the converter platform will be implemented with a standard transmission voltage of 155 kV.

5.2.1.7 Requirement for type and number of control panels

In addition to the control panels for the connection of the HVDC subsea cable systems, the layout of the converter platforms shall allow for at least six control panels for offshore wind farm connections, two reserve control panels and two control panels for joint connections.

5.2.1.8 Preparation for cross connections

As converter platforms will be planned and constructed, allowances must already be made for future cross connections between the grid connections for offshore wind farms.

Planning Principles 5.2.2

Summary

• Accessible by helicopter and ship

• Space requirement of 100 x 200 m and additional space for manoeuvring

• Length of HVAC subsea cable system for connecting the transformer plants no longer than 20 km

• Traffic safety may not be compromised (500 m distance from priority and reservation areas for shipping)

• Consideration of all existing and approved use, distance 500 m

• Construction in Natura2000 areas/protected biotopes not permitted, beyond this only with noise reduction measures

• Consideration of cultural assets and sites where munitions have been discovered

• Obligation to remove

5.2.2.1 Accessible by helicopter and ship

Converter platforms must be planned in such a way that they can be accessed reliably by helicopter and ship.

5.2.2.2 Space requirement 100 m x 200 m

For a converter platform, a space of 100 x 200 m must be provided. For platforms arranged next to one another, additional space for manoeuvring must be provided.

5.2.2.3 Length of HVAC subsea cable system

Converter platforms must be planned in such a way that the total length of the HVAC subsea cable route between site of the transformer plant of the offshore wind farm and the site of the converter station does not exceed 20 km, if possible.

5.2.2.4 No impairment of traffic

Traffic safety may not be impaired by the construction and operation of the converter platforms.

5.2.2.5 Consideration of all existing and approved uses

All existing and approved pipelines and subsea cables as well as those that are being stipulated in this plan, offshore wind farms and other superstructures have to be taken into consideration by keeping a regular distance of 500 m.

(24)

20 5.2.2.6 Construction in Natura2000 areas not permitted; Construction outside

protected biotopes

The construction of converter platforms in Natura2000 areas is not permitted. Adverse effects on the marine environment, in particular on the natural functions and their eco- systematic importance for the marine environment should be avoided during construction and operation of the platform. Areas known as protected biotope types according to Section 30 Federal Nature Conservation Act or corresponding structures have to be avoided as far as possible. Possible effects of the converter platforms on the marine environment should be investigated and demonstrated in a project-related monitoring concept according to the specifications of the approval authority.

5.2.2.7 Noise reduction

If converter platforms are installed with pile foundations, the use of an effective sound reduction system is to be provided during the pile driving of the foundations. The noise reduction system must be integrated into the design of the foundation construction early on in proceedings.

5.2.2.8 Consideration of cultural assets

Known sites where cultural assets have been discovered must be taken into consideration during the site selection. If unknown cultural assets located on the seabed should be found during the planning or construction of the converter platforms, the appropriate measures to secure the cultural assets must be taken.

5.2.2.9 Consideration of sites where munitions have been discovered

Known sites where munitions have been found must be avoided during the site selection. If unknown munitions-contaminated sites should be found during the planning or construction of the converter platforms, then appropriate protective measures must be taken.

5.2.2.10 Obligation to remove

After the converter platforms are no longer being used, they must be removed.

Spatial Stipulations 5.2.3

(25)

21 Cartographic Representation

5.2.4

Map 2: Sites for Converter Platforms in Offshore Wind Farm Cluster 1 - 8

5.3 Corridors for Cable Routes for HVDC Subsea Cable Systems

A HVDC subsea cable system in terms of this plan should be understood as a subsea cable system which conducts the energy produced in the offshore wind energy installation from the converter platform to gates I to IV on the border to the EEZ and 12 nm zone. According to the state of the art a HVDC subsea cable system consists of two conductors, a supply conductor and a return conductor which are installed in a bundled formation together with a fibre-optic cable for communication.

Summary

• VSC transmission technology

• Standard transmission voltage +/- 320 kV

• Standard capacity 900 MW 5.3.1.1 Use of HVDC technology

HVDC subsea cable systems will be implemented as self-guided high voltage direct current transmission.

(26)

22 5.3.1.3 HVDC system: Transmission voltage +/- 320 kV

High voltage direct current subsea cable systems will be implemented with a standard transmission voltage of +/- 320 kV.

High voltage direct current subsea cable systems will be implemented with a standard capacity of 900 MW.

Planning Principles 5.3.2

The Maritime Spatial Plan for the German North Sea EEZ has defined the targets and principles of the Spatial Planning with regards to grid connections under 3.3.1. These concern the laying, operation and removal of subsea cables. The following planning principles refer to the respective statements of the Maritime Spatial Plan. The target of consideration of existing uses/ rights of use will be implemented through the stipulations and the following planning principles. Further principles will be implemented as far as is possible.

Summary

• Maximum bundling possible by parallel routing

• Distances in case of parallel routing: 100 m; 200 m after every second cable system

• Routing through gates I to IV

• Crossing of priority and reservation areas for shipping as right-angled as possible

• Consideration of all existing and approved uses (construction with distance of 500 m, shipping routes 300 m distance)

• Avoiding of cable crossings and, if they are absolutely necessary, then crossing as right-angled as possible; distance between turning points 250 m

• Coverage 1.5m

• Routing as far outside of the Natura2000 areas/protected biotopes

• Avoiding heating of sediment (maximal 2 K)

• Environmentally-friendly installation procedure

• Coordinated timing of the overall installation works

• Consideration of cultural assets and sites where munitions have been discovered

• Obligation to remove 5.3.2.1 Bundling

Concerning HVDC subsea cables routing, the maximum degree of bundling possible in terms of parallel routing should be implemented as well as routing parallel existing structures.

5.3.2.2 Distances in case of parallel routing

When HVDC subsea cable systems are routed parallel, a distance of 100 m between the individual systems is required. After every second cable system, a distance of 200 m should be met.

5.3.2.3 Routing through gates

On the border of the EEZ and the 12 nm zone HVDC subsea cable systems must, be routed through gates I to IV.

(27)

23 5.3.2.4 Crossings of priority and reservation areas for shipping

DC subsea cable systems must cross the priority and reservation areas stipulated for shipping in the North Sea EEZ Maritime Spatial Plan by the shortest route possible if they cannot be routed parallel existing structures.

5.3.2.5 Consideration of existing and approved uses

When the routing of HVDC subsea cable systems is selected, consideration should be given to existing and approved uses and rights of use as well as to the concerns of shipping and fisheries. There must be appropriate consideration for already existing piping and subsea cables when the routing for new subsea cable systems is selected; a distance of 500 m must be observed.

5.3.2.6 Crossings

Crossings of HVDC subsea cable systems should be avoided as far as possible between one another and with other existing pipelines and existing subsea cables or those which have been stipulated within the framework of this plan. If crossings cannot be avoided, they must be implemented as right-angled as possible according to the respective state of the technology.

If crossing other infrastructure cannot be implemented at a right angle, the crossing angle should not fall short of 45°, and a distance of at least 250 m should be provided between the turning points which become necessary.

5.3.2.7 Covering

In determining the permanently guaranteeing coverage of HVDC subsea cable systems, the needs of shipping and fisheries, protection of the marine environment and system security should be considered particular. For this purpose, a cover burial depth of 1.5 m must be established during installation.

5.3.2.8 Installation outside of Natura2000 areas and protected biotopes

When the HVDC cable systems are installed, possible impairments to the marine environment should be minimised. For that to happen, the HVDC cable systems should be installed outside of Natura2000 areas. Known areas of protected biotope types according to Section 30 Federal Nature Conservation Act or corresponding structures have to be avoided as far as possible.

The specifications in Section 45 a Water Management Act must be observed; best environmental practice pursuant to the OSPAR Convention and the applicable state of technology should be considered and specified in the individual licensing procedure.

5.3.2.9 Heating of Sediment

When installing HVDC subsea cable systems potential adverse effects on the marine environment through a cable-induced heating of sediment should be largely reduced. As precautionary nature conservation value the so-called "K-2 criterion" must be observed, which sets a maximum acceptable temperature increase of the sediment by 2 kelvin in 20 cm sediment depth.

5.3.2.10 Environmentally-friendly installation procedures

In order to protect the marine environment, burial procedures for HVDC subsea cable systems should be selected being as environmentally-friendly as possible.

5.3.2.11 Coordinated timing of the overall installation works

In order to avoid or reduce cumulative effects, taking into account the project-specific conditions, the HVDC subsea cable system burial and trenching campaigns should be coordinated.