Cost-benefit analysis of a coordinated grid development in the North Sea

A full Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) of a meshed offshore grid in the Northern Seas with respect to radial configurations has been performed. In this CBA, three scenarios have been analysed: the ENTSO-E Vision 4 scenario with 111 GW of offshore wind, the PRIMES reference scenario with 70 GW of offshore wind, and the NSCOGI scenario with 55 GW of offshore wind. The offshore grid infrastructure cost is calculated, and the benefits are assessed. The CBA is based on the ENTSO-E Draft CBA methodology. The costs were calculated using Ecofys offshore transmission cost modelling tool and Tractebel Engineering´s techno-economical tool SCANNER? is used for the calculation of the benefits.