The Danish Energy Agency has launched tenders for three offshore wind areas with a combined minimum capacity of 2.8 GW. These are North Sea Mid, Hesselø in the Kattegat and North Sea South. Developers will bid under a two-sided capability-based contract for difference, which guarantees a fixed electricity price and limits risk from low market prices. The model allows the state to reclaim income when prices exceed the strike price. It has been introduced following market concerns about exposure to price volatility.
A state payment cap of DKK 55.2 billion including VAT applies to the tender framework across the three sites.
The tender requirements include blade recyclability, measures to prevent social dumping and, for the Hesselø area, a nature-inclusive design. The agency may request evidence of compliance with cybersecurity regulations at any time. The tenders also allow overplanting capacity above the minimum stated levels.
This tender round follows the 2024 process, when six areas were offered but three attracted no bids. After this outcome, the agency held market dialogues that informed two political agreements in 2025. These agreements shaped the new framework, including the updated support model and sustainability conditions.
Tender material is available via EU Supply. The deadline for North Sea Mid and Hesselø is spring 2026, and the deadline for North Sea South is autumn 2028.
Facts about the offshore wind areas:
- North Sea Mid: minimum 1 GW, completion by end 2032
- Hesselø (Kattegat): minimum 800 MW, completion by end 2032
- North Sea South: minimum 1 GW, completion by end 2034
- Overplanting capacity permitted
