European states commit to 100 GW offshore wind target for North Sea

Energy ministers from several European countries, along with industry leaders, have signed a joint declaration in Hamburg to scale up offshore wind capacity in the North Sea. The declaration sets an interim target of 100 GW as part of a broader effort to cut energy costs and strengthen regional energy security.

Ministers from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Iceland signed the declaration, alongside representatives from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The agreement builds on the 2023 Ostend declaration, under which North Sea countries committed to developing 300 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050. That target was advanced following Europe’s reduced reliance on Russian gas after the invasion of Ukraine.

Officials described the offshore wind push as an economic necessity. UK Energy Security Secretary Ed Miliband said the decision was based on strategic national interest rather than environmental sentiment. European Union (EU) Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said renewable energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels and essential for reducing energy bills for households and businesses. He also noted that slow permitting processes continue to delay project execution.

The declaration includes measures to accelerate deployment through new business models and cross-border projects. Signatory countries agreed to work on a financing framework to attract large-scale private investment. Proposed tools include two-sided contracts-for-difference and cross-border power purchase agreements (PPAs) to lower project risks for developers.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said cooperation in the North Sea region is critical for Europe’s security and independence. He outlined an ambition to turn the North Sea into the largest source of clean energy globally. EU ministers estimated that achieving the stated targets could reduce electricity prices by 30% by 2040 compared to 2025 levels.

The commitment comes as the offshore wind industry flags slower-than-required progress. The EU-27 currently has around 37 GW of offshore wind capacity, below the trajectory needed to reach its 60 GW target by 2030. WindEurope interim Chief Executive Officer Malgosia Bartosik welcomed the declaration, stating that coordinated government action could help mobilise up to €1 trillion in investment over the next decade.

The featured photograph is for representation only.