Major developers and grid operators have welcomed an energy security pact signed today by 10 European countries to develop offshore wind projects in shared waters in the North Sea.
Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and the UK have today signed the ‘Hamburg Declaration’, pledging to deliver 100GW in joint offshore wind projects.
The agreement builds on a pledge made three years ago, when North Sea nations committed to 300GW of offshore wind by 2050 in response to an energy-security crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As part of the declaration, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK will develop an interconnected offshore grid through shared planning and cost-sharing frameworks. This includes a specific agreement with Germany to collaborate on offshore hybrid assets to enhance grid technology and expand energy export opportunities.
Rasmus Errboe, president and CEO at Danish energy firm Ørsted, said: “The joint investment pact is a giant leap towards powering Europe with renewable, reliable and cost-competitive electricity. The pact shows the leadership taken by the countries in realising the offshore potential of the North Sea, and Ørsted is ready to answer to the call by investing in the build-out.
“Europe is our core market – with 35 years of experience and about 90% of our operating capacity based here, our offshore wind portfolio already produces enough electricity to power around 22m Europeans, and we’re ready to add to this number.”
Gus Jaspert, managing director, marine at The Crown Estate, which owns UK offshore wind farms, said: “The UK’s offshore wind sector is a national success story and an engine of economic growth. It attracts billions in investment, supports tens of thousands of jobs across the country and each new turbine built boosts our energy security.
“As such, we welcome opportunities for the UK to utilise its world-leading experience in offshore wind and work closely with international partners in the North Sea to collectively drive clean energy generation and enable greater energy security at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.”
Ben Wilson, president of energy infrastructure developer National Grid Ventures, said: “Today is a step towards a more integrated energy system in the North Seas. LionLink and projects like those being announced today are important for maximising the efficient use of resources, reducing costs, and minimising the impact on coastal communities.”
Dhara Vyas, CEO of trade association Energy UK, said: “The UK’s energy sector is fully behind the landmark efforts to be announced at the Hamburg North Sea Summit to transform the North Sea into a truly regional clean power hub. Delivering the goal of 100GW of offshore cooperation projects by 2050 will require a relentless focus on maintaining the momentum of UK-EU alignment on electricity market coupling and ETS [emissions trading schemes] linkage.”
“This deeper cooperation on supply chains, standardisation, and shared infrastructure is not just a strategic necessity, it is the most effective way to bring down energy costs for households and businesses while fuelling sustainable economic growth and high-value jobs for years to come.”
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