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

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

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 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.