From January 2025, Belgium will take over the rotating presidency of the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) from Denmark. Under Belgium's leadership, the NSEC will continue its mission to develop offshore renewable energy, strengthen regional cooperation and promote biodiversity protection and citizen participation in the energy transition in the North Seas.
A Critical Moment for Offshore Energy Development
Belgium takes over the presidency at a crucial time. "This is the right moment for Belgium to take on this role," said Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten. "The past year has provided the necessary tools and insights to further advance cooperation in the development of a meshed offshore grid in the North Sea."
During its presidency, Belgium will continue the groundwork laid by Denmark, focusing on unlocking the full renewable energy potential of the North Seas, strengthening European supply chains and industry, and advancing offshore green hydrogen projects. Preparations have already begun, with a dedicated programme and cooperation agreements with German partners, as the Belgian Presidency will support Germany in the preparation of the next North Sea Summit, which will take place in Hamburg in June 2025.
"It is an honour for Belgium to assume the Presidency of the North Sea Energy Cooperation in 2025, following the foundations laid by the Danish Presidency. We will continue to unlock the immense potential of the North Sea to provide green, sustainable energy for Europe. Our focus will be on strengthening multilateral cooperation, harmonising standards, promoting public participation and integrating non-price criteria into tendering processes, while protecting biodiversity."
The Belgian Presidency will also build on the recommendations of the Draghi and Letta reports and closely follow the Clean Industrial Deal to be launched by the new European Commission.
Key Priorities for Belgium’s NSEC Presidency
As a pioneer in offshore wind energy, the Belgian Presidency will focus on several important fields:
- Offshore grid development plans: Supporting the continued development of a robust offshore grid that will enhance energy security and sustainability across Europe.
- Financing and de-risking mechanisms: Belgium will promote new financial structures, including the possible creation of an offshore investment bank to combine financial support with de-risking measures.
- Public participation and biodiversity: Ensure that the development of offshore energy infrastructure includes mechanisms for citizen participation and the protection of marine biodiversity.
- Supply chain and industry leadership: Belgium will work to maintain European leadership in offshore wind by strengthening the supply chain and improving coordination between governments, grid operators and private industry.
"Together with our NSEC partners, we will build a resilient, interconnected, cross-border offshore grid that is crucial to meeting Europe's climate ambitions. 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."
"Offshore wind is one of the key solutions for Europe to meet its green energy targets and the North Sea offers optimal conditions for its production," said Van der Straeten. "We look forward to working with our NSEC partners to build a resilient, interconnected, cross-border offshore grid."
Belgium also emphasises the importance of multilateral cooperation and the harmonisation of standards, including non-price criteria, to improve the efficiency and scalability of offshore wind projects.
About NSEC
The North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) is a regional non-binding and voluntary EU cooperation framework which aims to advance development of offshore renewable energy in the geographical area of the North Seas. The NSEC is based on a political declaration adopted in 2016, with membership comprised of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the European Commission.
