North Seas Energy Cooperation marks 15 years of progress and ambition

Marking 15 years of the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), NSEC Energy Ministers, the European Commission and stakeholders met on 5 and 6 November to take stock of progress and set the agenda for the next 15 years of collaboration.

The meetings took place against the backdrop of the high energy costs driven by market pressures and supply chain constraints and Russia's continuing war in Ukraine.

The NSEC has issued a joint statement which highlights the important role of this High-Level Group in terms of delivering the offshore renewables ambition in the region and turning the North Sea into an offshore interconnection hub.

In the joint statement, the NSEC recognises the achievements made this year, under the co-presidency of Belgium including

• engaging with the European Investment Bank Advisory Hub on financing and de-risking solutions
• the creation of a database on planned offshore wind farms, to support the coordination of maritime spatial planning in the region
• the update of the tender planning tool to share information on non-price criteria and improve visibility for the supply chain and in the interest of giving transparency to industry regarding the pipeline of projects in the region
• ensuring greater regional collaboration to support the development of cooperation projects in the North Seas through the work of the Offshore TSO's Collaboration
• strengthening the resilience and security through exchanging data and best-practices, coordinated approaches and cooperation with competent authorities
• the work on offshore renewable hydrogen, including a Strategy Note and Recommendations on this area

NSEC underlines its support for the continued close cooperation with the UK, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between both parties.

NSEC will also be closely involved in the preparations of the 2026 North Sea Summit and will cooperate closely on its follow-up.

Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, said:

'The offshore wind sector may be facing challenging times, but our ambition and support remain unwavering. The North Sea and its offshore wind potential stand at the heart of Europe's journey toward climate neutrality, affordability, and energy independence amid turbulent geopolitics.

This North Seas Energy Cooperation Ministerial meeting reflects the important progress made under the Belgian co-presidency on regional cooperation and strengthening supply chain security, including through improved tenders planning and visibility.

As we look forward, the NSEC will remain a cornerstone for removing bottlenecks in our infrastructure to complete the Energy Union, driving progress in offshore renewables and infrastructure. The upcoming European Grids Package will be a vital partner in that mission.'

Related links

• Joint Statement
• The North Seas Energy Cooperation