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New North Sea Nations Agreement Signed

  • Publish Date: Posted almost 8 years ago

A new historic agreement has been signed by the North Sea nations and the European Commission so that the region's ocean assets can be used to produce wind energy and provide broad benefits across Europe as a whole.

The EU has estimated that the North Sea offers a total wind capacity increased potential of 1000pc, achievable by 2030. 

The agreement will foster cooperation between the North Sea nations, allowing wind tenders for offshore developments to be co-ordinated in a sensible way and to facilitate the harmonising of green energy rules so that the North Sea can effectively become Europe's clean power plant - or a 'Silicon Valley' for offshore wind.

The other nations that signed up to the deal are the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, the UK and Ireland, Germany, Luxembourg and Sweden.

Legislation around offshore wind farms currently varies among EU countries, dictating everything from design to turbine colour, meaning that Denmark's developers are obliged to work within the confines of six differing sets of national rules when looking to progress new projects in the North Sea. That increases the cost of wind turbines and the price that consumers pay.

The new agreement will override these complications. As a result, the North Sea is expected to provide sufficient wind power for up to 12pc of the EU's total energy needs by 2030. Denmark's offshore assets are particularly in demand because of their relatively low depth - making them easier for wind farm construction.

Work is now expected to begin later this month via a new three-year project that will be led by Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. The news will be welcomed by green campaign groups and consumers alike, who are keen to pay less for their utility bills whilst being able to support environmentally friendly energy projects.