The United Kingdom and European allies have taken a landmark step to secure a clean energy future, signing the Hamburg Declaration, a historic pact aimed at delivering major offshore wind projects across the North Sea. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband formalized the agreement today at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg, reaffirming the commitment of the UK and EU countries to energy security, sustainability, and economic growth.
The declaration sets a joint target of 100 GW of offshore wind power, to be built collaboratively by UK and EU companies, including Germany, Norway, France, and Denmark. The projects will harness Europe’s abundant North Sea resources and introduce advanced “offshore wind hybrid assets” — wind farms at sea directly connected to multiple countries via interconnectors.
“We are standing up for our national interest by driving for clean energy,” said Ed Miliband. “This can get the UK off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and give us energy sovereignty and abundance. After our record renewables auction, we today went further by signing a clean energy security pact with European allies to ensure we maximise the clean energy potential for the North Sea.”
The summit brings together leaders from Germany, France, Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Norway, highlighting a united European approach to energy resilience amid global instability.
The agreement follows the UK’s recent record-breaking offshore wind auction, which secured 8.4 GW of new projects, creating 7,000 jobs and generating £22 billion in private sector investment in UK factories and ports. This auction, the largest in European history, sets a precedent for collaborative efforts across the North Sea.
Three years ago, North Sea countries pledged to deliver 300 GW of offshore wind by 2050, partly in response to geopolitical risks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Today’s pact ensures that 100 GW of this total will be delivered through joint clean-energy projects, marking an unprecedented level of cooperation.
Key outcomes of the Hamburg Declaration
The declaration outlines several strategic initiatives to accelerate offshore wind deployment and energy integration:
- Interconnected Offshore Grid: The UK signed a statement of intent with Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands to unlock cross-border offshore electricity projects, focusing on joint planning, cost-sharing, and market arrangements to speed delivery.
- Offshore Hybrid Assets: The UK and Germany agreed on a framework for developing advanced offshore wind infrastructure combining wind farm connections with electricity interconnectors, positioning UK firms at the forefront of grid technology while unlocking export opportunities.
Industry leaders welcomed the pact as a transformative step for the UK and Europe’s energy landscape.
Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures, said: “Today is a step towards a more integrated energy system in the North Seas. Projects like LionLink are crucial for maximising resources, reducing costs, and minimising impacts on coastal communities. Collaboration on such projects is key to delivering secure, affordable energy for British and European consumers.”
Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive of Energy UK, added: “Delivering 100 GW of offshore cooperation projects by 2050 will require relentless focus on UK-EU alignment on electricity market coupling and ETS linkage. This cooperation on supply chains, standardisation, and shared infrastructure will reduce energy costs while fuelling sustainable economic growth and high-value jobs.”
Jane Cooper, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK, emphasized: “This historic declaration puts offshore wind at the heart of Europe’s power system, with the UK leading the way. Strengthening security collaboration ensures critical infrastructure is protected and allows us to generate clean power reliably at all times.”
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, noted: “Closer UK-EU cooperation is essential for energy security and economic growth. The Hamburg Declaration allows businesses to work on joint projects in renewables, interconnectors, and other vital energy infrastructure.”
Enrique Cornejo, Energy Policy Director at Offshore Energies UK, highlighted: “100 GW from joint projects will become a major part of our shared North Sea energy mix, including oil, gas, and hydrogen. Affordable and secure energy is key to the UK’s future and that of our European partners.”
Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate, said: “The UK’s offshore wind sector is a national success story and an engine of economic growth. Every turbine built boosts energy security and attracts investment. Working with international partners in the North Sea will collectively drive clean energy generation and strengthen energy security amid geopolitical uncertainty.”
A united vision for the North Sea
The Hamburg Declaration marks a historic moment for UK-EU energy cooperation, with offshore wind positioned as a cornerstone of Europe’s clean power transition. By combining ambitious projects, interconnectors, and hybrid assets, the pact seeks to transform the North Sea into the world’s largest clean energy reservoir, ensuring energy security and economic growth for decades to come.
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