The Hamburg Declaration committing to deliver 100GW of joint offshore wind capacity across shared North Sea waters sends a strong signal about Europe’s clean-energy ambitions, SSE Renewables managing director Stephen Wheeler said.
Signed on Tuesday by the UK and several European partners, the declaration sets out plans to develop 100GW of offshore wind through so-called hybrid assets – wind farms connected to more than one country via interconnectors.
“In a time of uncertainty, this historic joint offshore wind investment pact sends a clear signal that Europe’s North Seas remain central to its clean-energy future, and Ireland can play a leading role in realising that ambition,” Wheeler said in a statement.
He added that SSE, which develops and operates offshore wind projects across the North Seas, was ready to contribute to meeting the targets set out in the agreement.
The declaration is expected to prompt developers to outline new project proposals, with interconnectors highlighted as a key enabler for delivering renewable power across borders and improving energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports.
Additional outcomes from the summit included a statement of intent between the UK and Germany, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands to advance cross-border offshore electricity projects through joint planning, cost-sharing and coordinated market arrangements.
The UK also agreed a framework to deepen cooperation with Germany on offshore hybrid assets, which combine wind connections with interconnectors and could open new export opportunities for British companies.
