The UK and its European allies are set to sign the Hamburg Declaration today, a landmark agreement that commits to delivering 100GW of joint offshore wind projects across shared North Sea waters. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the pact as a historic clean energy security agreement, underscoring the collective commitment to bolster energy resilience amid global instability.
The declaration builds upon a 2020 pledge by North Sea nations to install 300GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050. This new agreement specifies that 100GW of that target will be achieved through “offshore wind hybrid assets,” which involve wind farms directly connected to multiple countries via interconnectors. This approach aims to optimize the use of resources, reduce costs, and minimize the impact on coastal communities, according to Ben Wilson, president of National Grid Ventures.
The summit brings together leaders from Germany, France, Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Norway. Miliband emphasized that the deal will help the UK achieve energy sovereignty and abundance, reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets. “We are standing up for our national interest by driving for clean energy, which can get the UK off the fossil fuel rollercoaster,” he stated.
The UK’s recent offshore wind auction, which secured 8.4GW of capacity—the largest in European history—sets a precedent for future projects. The Hamburg Declaration is expected to spur industry plans for new initiatives, with interconnectors playing a crucial role in distributing clean power efficiently.
Further outcomes include a statement of intent between the UK, 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 collaborate with Germany on offshore hybrid assets, potentially opening export opportunities for British firms.
Talks are underway between the EU and the UK on the UK’s participation in the EU internal electricity market, aiming to drive investment in North Sea clean energy projects and reduce exposure to fossil fuel price volatility. Additionally, NATO and European countries will sign agreements on cybersecurity cooperation to protect North Sea infrastructure from increasing threats.
Industry leaders welcomed the announcement. Dhara Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, highlighted the strategic necessity of deeper cooperation on supply chains, standardisation, and shared infrastructure to bring down energy costs and fuel sustainable economic growth. Jane Cooper, deputy chief executive of RenewableUK, noted that the agreement will significantly enhance energy security for the UK and the broader North Sea region.
Gus Jaspert, managing director of marine at The Crown Estate, praised the UK offshore wind sector as a national success story that attracts investment, supports jobs, and boosts energy security. The Hamburg Declaration marks a significant step toward a more integrated energy system in the North Sea, with far-reaching implications for the region’s energy landscape and global clean energy ambitions.