Clean Energy & Cross-Border Collaboration in the North Sea

Synopsis

The North Sea is more than just a body of water—it’s the engine room for Europe’s energy decarbonisation ambitions. With its vast offshore wind potential and strategic location, it plays a pivotal role in the UK’s Clean Power 2030 goals. But as investment pours into critical infrastructure like ports, interconnectors, and offshore grids, the challenge lies in navigating a complex web of regulations, competing interests, and maritime territorial dynamics.

This session explores how business leaders and policymakers can collaborate across borders to accelerate offshore wind development, enhance energy security, and unlock the full potential of this high-stakes energy frontier.

• The North Sea’s Strategic Role – Why is it the beating heart of Europe’s clean power transition? How does it contribute to energy security, and why must the UK work in close alignment with its North Sea neighbours?
• Infrastructure & Investment – What’s the outlook for investment in ports, floating wind technologies, and subsea networks? How can the UK and its partners ensure these assets are fit for the scale of offshore wind growth?
• Regulatory & Policy Alignment – With multiple nations vying for space and resources, how can regulatory frameworks be streamlined to accelerate offshore wind projects rather than slow them down?
• Interconnectors & Collaboration – Projects like LionLink and Eastern Green Link are game-changers for cross-border energy sharing. What’s needed to ensure they deliver on their promise?
• Lessons from Successful Cross-Border Projects – What have we learned from past collaborations, and how can those insights shape the next generation of offshore wind initiatives?
• Beyond Wind: Managing Maritime Complexity – Floating wind, seabed mapping, shadow fleets, and an increasingly congested seascape—how do we ensure cooperation rather than conflict in a rapidly evolving North Sea?