The EU has launched its REPowerEU action plan which includes significant investment commitments for offshore wind projects and infrastructure. Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands jointly set out plans to build out 150GW of offshore wind capacity in the North Sea.

The EU’s REPowerEU Action Plan sets out a strategy to increase Europe’s wind energy capacity from 190GW today to 480GW in 2030. These goals require the simplification of permitting and a strengthening of Europe’s wind energy supply chain. Major investment will be required in offshore grid infrastructure, port facilities and vessels.

Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands have jointly committed to building 150GW of offshore wind energy in the North Sea by 2050. They intend to collaborate on joint offshore wind projects, energy islands and offshore infrastructure. The four countries also plan to develop 30GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030 to grow renewable hydrogen production in the North Sea.

Integrating large-scale variable energy into the power system is still a huge challenge. Offshore electricity grids are evolving from point-to-point connections to energy hubs linked to hybrid interconnectors. The supply chain and infrastructure challenges will ultimately determine how quickly and successfully the EU can ramp up its offshore wind energy capacity.