CINEA has signed a grant agreement worth EUR 645.2 million under the CEF Energy programme to support the Danish side of the Bornholm Energy Island (BEI) Hybrid Offshore Interconnector – one of Europe’s most ambitious and strategic energy infrastructure projects.
The grant signature ceremony took place on 4 September 2025 in Copenhagen, during the Informal meeting of energy ministers, marking a significant step towards a more resilient, interconnected, and sustainable European energy system.
Connecting offshore wind to millions of consumers
Led by Energinet (Denmark) and 50Hertz (Germany), this innovative and visionary project will connect multiple wind farms together via a single offshore energy hub on the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. From there, 3 GW of offshore green electricity will be brought onshore and distributed through Denmark and Germany, helping to power millions of homes and businesses with clean electricity.
To make this possible, CEF Energy is funding the construction of two new converter stations (one on Bornholm and one in Zealand), and the installation of an extensive submarine cable system of around 200 kilometres, complemented by a 17-kilometre onshore connection, between Zealand and Bornholm. This infrastructure will serve as a crucial bridge between offshore generation and consumers, enabling electricity to flow flexibly where it is needed most. This innovative setup supports energy security, price stability, and the integration of renewable energy on a much larger scale than before.
A milestone for Europe’s clean energy transition
As the world’s first hybrid direct current interconnector, the Bornholm Energy Island project represents a new era of energy cooperation in Europe. By pooling offshore generation and connecting national grids, offshore wind energy is no longer harvested by individual countries alone. This cooperation will create a stronger, more flexible energy network capable of adapting to demand, keeping energy prices stable, and supporting Europe’s industrial competitiveness.
Paloma Aba Garrote, Director of CINEA, said:
“The Bornholm Energy Island interconnector is a landmark project for Europe’s clean energy transition. By supporting this initiative with one of the largest EU contributions under CEF Energy, we are demonstrating CINEA’s continued commitment to boosting cross-border cooperation, integrating offshore renewables at scale, and ensuring a secure, independent, affordable and sustainable energy supply for European citizens and businesses.”
CEF Energy driving Europe’s future
This major EU contribution illustrates how CEF Energy funding is driving Europe’s energy transition, investing directly in infrastructure that connects clean energy to consumers, strengthens Europe’s competitiveness, and secures a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supply. By supporting projects of common interest like Bornholm Energy Island, CEF Energy plays a crucial role in delivering the EU’s energy and climate objectives and building the next generation of European energy infrastructure.
More information
More information on the project is available on its website.