UK to join major North Sea wind farm project with eight countries

The UK will sign a declaration to join a joint North Sea offshore wind scheme with eight other countries, committing to complete the plan by 2050. For the first time, some new wind farms would be linked to multiple countries by undersea interconnectors.

The UK will join eight other European countries in a coordinated offshore wind programme in the North Sea. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is due to sign a declaration at a meeting in Hamburg, committing to complete the scheme by 2050. The plan includes, for the first time, some wind farms directly linked to multiple countries by undersea interconnectors. Supporters say the links could lower prices regionally while some critics warn operators selling to the highest bidder could push up prices when supply is tight. Key details: - The agreement covers the UK and eight other European countries, including Norway, Germany and the Netherlands. - Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will sign the declaration in Hamburg, with a commitment to complete the scheme by 2050. - For the first time, some new offshore wind farms would be connected to multiple countries via undersea interconnectors. - The North Sea countries had a previous pledge of 300 GW of offshore wind; this deal sets 100 GW to be built jointly, with 20 GW expected to be under way by 2030. - Reports cited by industry and the National Grid say existing interconnectors have reduced costs and saved UK consumers about £1.6bn since 2023, while some governments and critics have raised concerns about domestic price effects. Summary: The agreement formalises multinational development of offshore wind in the North Sea and introduces cross-border connections between new farms and multiple countries. Officials will sign the declaration in Hamburg; the plan aims for completion by 2050 and for 20 GW to be under way by 2030. The move is presented by supporters as strengthening regional energy links, while critics emphasise potential effects on prices. Further implementation details are undetermined at this time.