The Hamburg Declaration has been signed today by the UK and European allies, committing the countries to delivering 100GW of joint offshore wind projects across shared North Sea waters.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband (pictured) said the agreement marks a historic clean energy security pact with countries including Germany, Norway, France and Denmark to strengthen energy resilience amid global instability.
He added that the deal will, for the first time, commit North Sea nations to delivering part of their 300GW 2050 offshore wind pledge through joint clean-energy projects.
Three years ago these countries set the 300GW target in response to geopolitical shocks, and the Hamburg Declaration will now outline how 100GW will be built through “offshore wind hybrid assets”, which are wind farms directly connected to more than one country using interconnectors.
The Energy Secretary will meet leaders from Germany, France, Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark and Norway as they pursue plans to transform the North Sea into a major clean energy reservoir.
“We are standing up for our national interest by driving for clean energy, which can get the UK off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and give us energy sovereignty and abundance,” said Miliband.
“After our record renewables auction, we today go further by signing a clean energy security pact with European allies to ensure we maximise the clean energy potential for the North Sea.”
Industry is expected to unveil plans for new projects in response to the pledge, with interconnectors highlighted as crucial to sending clean power where it is needed and ending reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators.
The UK earlier this month secured 8.4GW of offshore wind in its latest auction, which the government described as the biggest in European history.
Further summit outcomes 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 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 export opportunities for UK firms.
Talks are beginning between the EU and UK on the UK’s participation in the EU internal electricity market to drive investment in North Sea clean energy projects and reduce exposure to fossil fuel price volatility.
The summit will additionally feature agreements between NATO and European countries on cyber security cooperation focused on North Sea infrastructure, with leaders warning of increasing threats.
“Today is a step towards a more integrated energy system in the North Seas,” said Ben Wilson, president of National Grid Ventures.
“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, chief executive of Energy UK, added that the sector is “fully behind the landmark efforts” to build a regional clean power hub and deliver 100GW of offshore cooperation projects by 2050.
“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,” stated Vyas.
Jane Cooper, deputy chief executive of RenewableUK, said the announcement will “increase the energy security of the UK and the whole of the North Sea region significantly”.
“We are strengthening our security collaboration to ensure the North Sea’s critical energy infrastructure is protected from harm, so that we can continue to generate the huge quantities of clean power needed by the UK and our neighbours reliably at all times,” added Cooper.
Gus Jaspert, managing director, marine at The Crown Estate, said the UK offshore wind sector “is a national success story” that attracts investment, supports jobs and boosts energy security.