RWE's proposed 1-gigawatt (GW) Thor offshore wind farm has cleared a significant regulatory hurdle, with the Danish Energy Agency approving the project's feasibility study report. This development paves the way for the developer to apply for an establishment permit, marking a crucial step forward for what could become Denmark's largest offshore wind farm.
The approval from the Danish Energy Agency signifies that the feasibility study report meets the legal requirements for content and establishes that, on the present basis, an offshore wind farm can be set up in the area off Thorsminde. Under the agreement, the Thor Offshore Wind Farm must be fully established and connected to the grid by the end of 2027.
It's important to note that the approval of the feasibility study report does not grant the project developer the right to build the offshore wind farm. However, it does provide the opportunity to apply for an establishment permit. The Danish Energy Agency will make a final decision on whether an establishment permit can be granted for the project following a public hearing on the developer's application.
The next step in the process is for the developer to apply for an establishment permit, which will involve submitting the application, the approved environmental impact report with relevant annexes, a draft of the Danish Energy Agency's establishment decision, and the consultation note from the carried-out authority hearing of the environmental impact report for an eight-week public consultation period.
The public consultation, if applicable, is expected to commence in early April. This approval marks a significant milestone for RWE's Thor offshore wind farm project, signaling progress towards the development of a major renewable energy asset in Denmark's offshore wind sector.
