Part-financed by the European Union(European Regional Development Fund)

Model case Pomeranian Bight

Pilot / Arkona Basin Combined Grid Solution and Baltic Pipe as examples of transnational

cooperation and dialogue

The task

Key question:

What can we learn from existing transnational planning processes in the pilot area for cross-border and transnational MSP?

Combined Grid Solution and Baltic Pipe project selected as case study examples

Background

Combined Grid Solution (CGS): The first offshore grid of its kind in the world

• A joint German-Danish project • To connect two offshore wind farms in the

southern Baltic Sea to national grids• To provide a transmission link between the two

countries

Background

Background

• Swedish plans to also connect a wind farm (Kriegers Flak) have been postponed

• Initiated by 50Hertz and Energinet.dk (two TSOs)• €150m funding from the European Energy

Programme for Recovery (Trans European Networks - Energy (TEN-E)).

Background

Baltic Pipe:

• A proposed gas pipeline between Denmark and Poland in the southern Baltic Sea

• Route yet to be finalised, but would cross the German EEZ; one possible route would also enter the Swedish EEZ.

Background

Background

• Agreed in 2001 by the Danish energy company DONG and the Polish oil and gas company PGNiG to increase natural gas supply to Poland;

• Revived in 2007 between Eneginet.dk and PGNiG, later Gaz-System

• Review in 2009 and change of purpose for Baltic Pipe to the export of gas from Poland to Denmark (bidirectional flow)

Empirical basis

• Interviews with 7 German, 1 Danish and 2 Polish representatives

• BSH, Bergamt Stralsund, Energinet.dk, 50Hertz, Energy Ministry MV and WWF for CGS

• BSH and Gaz-System for BP• Interview focus:

– Purpose of the project – Roles and responsibilities– National support/policy environment– Transnational discussions (Initiation, organisation, representation,

information, communication)– Evaluation of process so far (ourcomes, outputs)

CGS: Results

Purpose of the project

• Widely shared view of the purpose of the project• Emphasis of the European dimension• Favourable policy environment, EU support

essential for project implementation

CGS: Results

Roles of the project partners

• Clear understanding of roles and responsibilities• 50Hertz and Energinet.dk recognised as the

instigators and drivers of the project• BSH and other authorities play an enabling role• BSH has a good overview of the overall context of

the project

CGS: Results

The licensing process

• Licensing dealt with bilaterally and led by 50Hertz/Energinet.dk,

• No direct contact between German and Danish licensing authorities

• Licensing process differs from national procedure due to ESPOO rules

CGS: Results

Stakeholder conflicts

• Project not at the stage of stakeholder consultation

• Denmark more pro-active in informing stakeholders early in the process

Access to data

• Full access to all necessary data in DK but not in DE

CGS: Results

Dialogue and modes of communication:

• Openness and trust between the project partners• Central, leading dialogue between 50Hertz and

Energinet.dk• Technical dialogue between the two companies

and the licensing authorities

CGS: Results

Dialogue and modes of communication:

• 50Hertz and Energinet.dk have established joint structures (bilateral working groups) which are proving successful

• Regular contact with counterpart considered essential for success

• Sharepoint facilities to aid communication

CGS: Results

Dialogue and modes of communication:

• Regular contact with authorities considered essential even if there is nothing new to report

• Meeting between all relevant parties early on to explain purpose and status of the project

CGS: Results

Recommendations:

• Designate one leading organisation (or consortium) responsible for driving the project. The lead organisation then needs to bring together the relevant authorities, set an agenda and ensure follow-up.

• Hold an initial project meeting with all parties early on in the process.

• Agree on how and when to inform the public and external stakeholders.

CGS: Results

Recommendations:

• Ensure there is clear and shared purpose of the project/process.

• Ensure alignment of interests and joint interest in the successful outcome of the project.

CGS: Results

Recommendations:

• Ensure clear structures of management and clear responsibilities while also ensuring transparency throughout (e.g. regular information, access to sharepoint facilities)

• Designate specific contact persons and ensure continuity of these contacts where possible.

Baltic Pipe: Present status

• An initial geophysical survey has been carried out• Some consultation took place with national

agencies during this survey. • Discussion with BSH regarding recognising the

possible route of the pipeline through the German EEZ;

• Gaz-System now considering the more detailed survey required and entering into more detailed discussions with the relevant government organisations.

Early stage of planning and transboundary communication

Baltic Pipe: Elements of transboundary dialogue

• Stronger links to the Polish Maritime Offices in Szczecin and Gdansk, less strong links to Danish Energy Agency and Germany’s BSH.

• Both formal and informal means of exchange have taken place– formal applications in writing– informal requests for information via email and telephone.

• Polish and English as the languages of

communication • Communication essentially bilateral, between the

project proposer and individual government authorities

Baltic Pipe: Elements of transboundary dialogue

• Multilateral discussions considered potentially useful by Gaz-System

• Reluctant to take a lead in organising such encounters, seeing this as more of a role for the authorities

• Do not see the need to widen the extent of involvement to other interests (practical difficulties)

• Do not see the need to involve other representatives of Gaz-System, such as technical experts, in discussions, as the current team are already well-equipped to carry discussions forward

Initial lessons

• Gaz-System to contact government authorities as necessary.

• Government authorities similarly to contact periodically the named representatives of Gaz-System with requests for updates and to express any matters of concern.

Initial lessons

• Government authorities to collaborate in organising multilateral meetings with Gaz-System and other partners (especially Energinet.dk) as appropriate, with one nation’s authority taking responsibility for calling meetings periodically.

• Gaz-System to publicise information about the project and the possible pipeline routes via its internet in a timely manner.