Bornholm energy grid faces capacity shortages and planning errors

Bornholm is facing significant challenges regarding its electricity grid capacity as the island prepares for massive electrification. Planning errors have been identified regarding the subsea cable from Sweden; while TREFOR El-Net Øst planned based on a 57 MW capacity, it has been revealed that only 35 MW is guaranteed, with a technical maximum of approximately 45 MW.

This shortfall is critical because Bornholm's power demand is expected to reach 140 MW by 2030. While the establishment of the Bornholm Energy Island is intended to increase capacity by up to 200 MW, this solution is estimated to be roughly a decade away.

Experts suggest that existing battery solutions could alleviate current pressures. Large batteries operated by EWII and a planned facility at Rønne Harbor could assist the grid, yet critics argue that the state-owned Energinet has been slow to utilize these resources, appearing to favor traditional investments in power lines and transformer stations instead.