TSOs Unite to Build Offshore Grid Future
During a press conference at the WindEurope Annual Event 2025, the Offshore TSO Collaboration (OTC) presented the initial results of a pilot study aimed at developing a joint European offshore grid in the North Sea. Analysis in this study finds establishing the North Sea as Europe’s ‘green power plant’ will play a crucial role in the continent securing an independent, affordable and decarbonised energy supply for itself.
Joint grid development
Over the past three years, transmission system operators (TSOs) from the Northern Seas (North Sea, Irish Sea, Celtic Sea) have collaborated to advance infrastructure development in line with the objectives of the Esbjerg and Ostend Declarations (NSEC - North Sea Energy Cooperation). Both declarations aim to significantly increase the combined offshore wind capacity of the Northern Seas. The initial results of the joint study demonstrate how a regional approach to offshore grid development in the Northern Seas can offer both economic and environmental benefits for all Europeans.
The analysis includes a grid map that outlines promising cross-border projects. These projects are not considered in isolation as part of a broader offshore regional grid in the Northern Seas, maximising synergies and cost efficiencies. It does not cover the required preliminary onshore reinforcements, that are treated in other planning exercises. This represents an important step towards a more affordable, secure and reliable offshore system that strengthens Europe’s energy supply and independence while supporting its decarbonisation goals.
A joint planning process
The OTC intends to submit a set of these conceptual projects to the Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) 2026. These projects could serve as the foundation for joint cost-sharing negotiations between the involved countries. Furthermore, the OTC proposes a regional planning process that could support a government endorsed regional approach and that would complement existing plans such as the Ten Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) and embedded Offshore Network Development Plan (ONDP) and national processes, leading to enhancing coordination and efficiency.
The OTC would like to highlight that the development of a robust offshore infrastructure is critical for Europe’s energy future. With continued political support and increased collaboration, Europe can advance its ambitious plans for a robust interconnected energy system in the North Sea and position itself as a leader in offshore renewable energy.
The results and next steps were presented at the press conference that was held by the CEOs of the OTC TSOs: Manon van Beek, CEO of TenneT Holding; Bernard Gustin, CEO of Elia Group (Elia Belgium & 50Hertz Germany); Thomas Egebo, CEO of Energinet; Tim Meyerjürgens, CEO of TenneT Germany; Michael Mahon, Chief Infrastructure Officer of EirGrid; Elisabeth V. Vardheim, CEO of Statnett; Fintan Slye, CEO of NESO; Peter Barth, Managing Director Amprion Offshore, Ben Wilson, President at National Grid Ventures; and Regis Boigegrain, Executive Director of Interconnections & Offshore Grid at RTE France.#
Key messages from the CEOs:
During the press conference held earlier today, the CEOs of the OTC, who represent leading European TSOs, underscored the importance of a unified and efficient offshore grid development strategy for the North Sea that is aimed at maximising benefits for Europe’s energy security, independence and competitiveness. As the continent faces overlapping climate, energy, geopolitical and security challenges, the need for greater energy independence and resilience has never been more urgent.
To achieve these objectives, the CEOs emphasised that energy independence must begin at sea and that there will no successful energy transition in Europea without developing the wind potential of our seas, with offshore wind farms and the grids that connect them to the shore. The North Sea holds immense potential with regard to providing Europe with reliable, clean and affordable energy. However, unlocking this potential will require coordinated European action and the development of the necessary offshore and onshore infrastructure to transport offshore wind power from generation sites to onshore consumption centres. The CEOs stressed that collaboration is fundamental, as renewable energy resources are unevenly distributed across Europe. Cross border offshore projects are essential for strengthening the European electricity system and ensuring that energy flows efficiently across national borders.
Looking ahead, the CEOs recognised the significant economic opportunity offshore wind presents for Europe. They also called for the rapid scaling up of the offshore wind supply chain, with dedicated hubs across the EU to manufacture turbines, cables, platforms, and other components – so creating up to 300,000 jobs.
The CEOs also pointed out that Europe needs a robust framework that attracts greater investment and reinforces the continent’s position as a technological front-runner in offshore wind. Such a framework will help to scale up the industry and ensure that Europe maintains its leadership in the sector.
While collaboration between TSOs is already enabling the operation of the world’s largest interconnected electricity system, the CEOs stressed the need for political and regulatory alignment to unlock the value of the Northern Seas. They called for a new level of planning, that could support a government endorsed regional approach, to accelerate offshore development and enhance existing national planning processes with a holistic sea basin perspective.
Their message was clear: the time for action is now, and they are ready to plan, coordinate, and deliver a sustainable and interconnected offshore future for Europe, in close relation with the States, the regulators and the energy producers.
