Belgium to Focus on Offshore Energy Development as It Takes Over NSEC Presidency

Belgium will prioritize offshore grid development, financing structures, public participation, and supply chain resilience as it assumes the rotating presidency of the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) from Denmark in January.

This shift places Belgium at the forefront of the North Sea's green energy initiatives, aiming to strengthen regional collaboration and drive forward Europe's renewable energy transition.

Belgian Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten said, “This is the right moment for Belgium to take on this role,” adding that recent developments have provided the tools and insights to enhance cooperation on creating a meshed offshore grid. Belgium's presidency will advance projects that unlock the renewable energy potential of the North Seas, while supporting regional supply chains and developing offshore green hydrogen initiatives. Van der Straeten noted that Belgium will aim to build on Denmark's groundwork, emphasizing that Belgium is honored to “assume the Presidency of the North Sea Energy Cooperation in 2025, following the foundations laid by the Danish Presidency.”

In a further commitment to multilateral cooperation, Belgium has already initiated a program and cooperative agreements with German partners to support the organization of the North Sea Summit in Hamburg in June 2025.

Belgium's presidency will also focus on recommendations from the Draghi and Letta reports and align closely with the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal from the European Commission, promoting standards that integrate non-price criteria to make projects more efficient and scalable.

Van der Straeten outlined the country's commitment to developing “a resilient, interconnected, cross-border offshore grid” to ensure green, affordable energy for European households. This includes exploring innovative financing structures, with the possible creation of an offshore investment bank, as well as ensuring local community participation in offshore energy projects and protecting marine biodiversity. “Our aim is to ensure that this green and affordable electricity from the North Sea directly benefits European households, making our energy transition inclusive and sustainable for all,” she said.

The presidency's plans to coordinate with industry stakeholders and bolster the supply chain are aimed at reinforcing European leadership in offshore wind, building on the North Sea's optimal conditions for green energy production.