The Offshore TSO Collaboration (OTC), a coalition of European transmission system operators, has unveiled initial findings from a pilot study aimed at developing a coordinated offshore electricity grid in the North Sea region, a move seen as key to strengthening the continent’s energy independence and decarbonisation efforts.
Unveiled at the WindEurope 2025 conference, the study outlines how joint grid planning in the Northern Seas—including the North Sea, Irish Sea, and Celtic Sea—could create cost-efficient cross-border connections and support the European Union’s energy and climate targets.
“Energy independence must begin at sea. There will be no successful energy transition in Europe without developing the wind potential of our seas,” the CEOs of OTC said in a joint statement.
The project, which aligns with the Esbjerg and Ostend Declarations under the North Sea Energy Cooperation (NSEC), proposes a regional planning process to complement existing national strategies, such as the Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) and Offshore Network Development Plan (ONDP).
The OTC’s analysis includes a conceptual grid map with several cross-border offshore infrastructure proposals. These projects are designed not as stand-alone initiatives but as components of an integrated sea basin approach aimed at enhancing Europe’s energy system reliability and affordability.
“The development of a robust offshore infrastructure is critical for Europe’s energy future,” the OTC said. It also confirmed plans to submit a package of these conceptual projects for inclusion in the upcoming TYNDP 2026.
According to the study, the North Sea has the potential to become Europe’s “green power plant,” offering reliable and clean electricity to millions while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The CEOs of major European TSOs—including TenneT, Elia Group, Energinet, Statnett, EirGrid, Amprion Offshore, National Grid Ventures, and RTE France—stressed the need for deeper collaboration between governments, regulators, and energy producers.
They also highlighted the economic potential of offshore wind, citing the possibility of creating up to 300,000 jobs if supply chains are scaled and manufacturing hubs are established across the EU.
“Offshore projects are essential for strengthening the European electricity system,” the CEOs noted, calling for a supportive regulatory framework to attract investment and maintain Europe’s technological leadership in offshore wind.
The OTC concluded that accelerated political support and coordinated infrastructure planning will be essential to realise the vision of a connected, resilient, and sustainable offshore grid serving all of Europe.
