Elia forms offshore grid biz eyeing global market

Belgian electricity transmission operator Elia Group is creating a new subsidiary, called WindGrid, which will target the international market for offshore grid infrastructure.

The company, which operates in Belgium through Elia and north-east Germany through 50Hertz, announced Tuesday its board of directors has approved the establishment of the new subsidiary.

Elia Group chief executive Chris Peeters said WindGrid will be a partner for governments wishing to proactively build offshore grid infrastructure and renewable energy developers looking to integrate their offshore energy projects into onshore networks.

According to the company, WindGrid is a logical step in its expansion and comes as Europe and other markets are expected to make significant investment in offshore grid and renewable generation in the next few years to accelerate the energy transition. Europe aims to increase its offshore wind capacity to 60 GW by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050.

Starting on April 1, 2022, the new subsidiary will be led by Markus Laukamp, currently managing director of German company STEAG New Energies GmbH.

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