Today, Belgian Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten and German State Secretary for Energy Dr. Philipp Nimmermann agreed to explore the development of a hybrid offshore connection in order to tap the great regional potential for offshore wind energy in the context of a cross-border cooperation project. The aim is to make as efficient use of the potential for renewable energy in the North Sea as possible. The planned cooperation is to contribute to expanding a mesh offshore network in the North Sea. The Ministries called on the competent transmission system operators (TSOs) to examine options for such a regional network project, to involve further stakeholders, if necessary, and to report to the Energy Ministers by June 2025, i.e. before the next North Sea Summit takes place.

Belgium and Germany are strongly committed to an ambitious green energy transition. They have been working together closely to reach this objective. Examples of this close cooperation include ALEGrO, the first direct electricity connection between the two countries which went into operation in 2020 and for which a follow-up project is planned, namely the hydrogen pipeline between the two countries, and the long-standing cooperation in the context of the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC). Furthermore, Germany will take over the organisation of the North Sea Summit on cooperation in the field of offshore renewable energy from Belgium and host the third North Sea Summit in June 2025.

Germany and Belgium have set themselves ambitious targets for the expansion of offshore wind energy. Belgium intends to expand its offshore wind capacity to 6 gigawatts by 2030 and to 8 gigawatts by 2040, and Germany wants to establish an offshore wind capacity of at least 30 gigawatts by 2030 and 70 gigawatts by 2045. Close cooperation between the two countries contributes to advancing innovation and making progress in the field of renewable energy, keeping the cost of the energy transition as low as possible, and fostering strong and secure industrial value chains.

The Belgian and German TSOs and the competent regulators will regularly exchange views on the progress being made in order to submit a final report to the Energy Ministers before the next North Sea Summit in June 2025. The report should include information about the cost and benefit, a possible schedule and the hurdles which might have to be overcome.

Minister Van der Straeten and State Secretary Nimmermann expressed their resolve to work together to realise this vision and to promote the development of renewable energy and of a hybrid offshore network in the North Sea, which will serve as a role model for sustainable cooperation on energy in Europe.