The Hamburg Declaration, which commits to delivering 100GW of joint offshore wind projects across shared North Sea waters, is a clear signal that Europe’s North Seas remain central to its clean-energy future, said Stephen Wheeler (pictured), Managing Director of SSE Renewables.
“In a time of uncertainty, this historic joint offshore wind investment pact sends a clear signal that Europe’s North Seas remain central to its clean-energy future, and Ireland can play a leading role in realising that ambition,” he said in a statement.
The Declaration, signed today by the UK and its European allies, sets out plans to deliver 100 GW of capacity through “offshore wind hybrid assets”, wind farms directly connected to more than one country via interconnectors.
“As a developer and operator of major offshore projects and assets across the North Seas, SSE stands ready to play its part in meeting this historic commitment,” Wheeler added.
Industry is expected to unveil plans for new projects in response to the pledge, with interconnectors highlighted as critical to delivering clean power where it is needed most and reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and authoritarian regimes.
Further outcomes from the summit include a statement of intent between the UK and Germany, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands to unlock cross-border offshore electricity projects through joint planning, cost-sharing and coordinated market arrangements.
The UK will also agree a framework to deepen collaboration with Germany on offshore hybrid assets, which combine offshore wind connections with interconnectors and could open new export opportunities for UK firms.