In one corner, we have the ambition to make Europe energy-independent. In the other corner, we have the North Sea, filled with potential for becoming Europe’s hub for all renewable energy technologies.
We can tackle both with a massive expansion of renewable energy – and that is what Denmark aims to do as the new presidency of the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) from 2024.
The cooperation of the countries surrounding the North Sea and the European-Commission gathered today in Hague, and the presidency was passed on from the Dutch Minister to minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard.
”The North Sea is one of our most important assets when it comes to renewable energy and addressing our fight against climate change – but it’s important that we pave the way for a quicker and bigger expansion of offshore wind. We have the ambitions, now we must implement. We need to get rid of the unnecessary rules and regulations that belong in the past and establish a new framework and infrastructure so that we can turn the North Sea into a green energy hub,” says minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard.
The NSEC has existed since 2016. Amongst other things, the cooperation has focused on hybrid-projects, regulations and financing and delivery of the EU’s 2050-target for offshore wind.
Now, as the next chapter begins, the new focus will be on strengthening the European supply chains, streamlining permitting procedures and ensuring the long term build-out of renewable energy in the North Seas.
Facts about the NSEC
- Members of the NSEC are Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Luxemburg and the EU-Commission. The United Kingdom participates on a technical basis.
- NSEC supports and facilitates the development of the offshore grid development and the large renewable energy potential in the North Sea region.