Declaration Signed in Hamburg Sets 2050 Completion Goal The United Kingdom’s Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signed a declaration in Hamburg with Norway, Germany, the Netherlands and five other European states, committing the multinational offshore wind scheme to be completed by 2050 [1]. The pact adds 100 GW of joint offshore capacity to the existing 300 GW North Sea target set three years earlier [1]. It also expects 20 GW of projects to be under construction by 2030, building on the UK’s current 16 GW operating and recent award of 20 GW contracts, including an 8.4 GW record‑breaking bidding round [1].

Direct Interconnectors Will Link Wind Farms to Multiple Grids For the first time, planned offshore wind farms will be connected via undersea cables directly to several neighboring transmission systems, creating multi‑country interconnectors [1]. The UK already operates ten interconnectors, but linking generation assets themselves is a new approach [1]. Proponents claim this architecture could lower regional electricity prices, while critics warn that operators might sell power to the highest bidder, potentially raising costs when supply is tight [1].

National Grid Forecasts Bill Savings from New Cables National Grid paper released earlier this month outlines how next‑generation international power cables could reduce “constraint payments” that arise when networks are congested [1]. Existing interconnectors have already delivered £1.6 bn of savings to UK consumers since 2023 [1]. By smoothing price spikes through time‑zone differences, the new links aim to cut household energy bills further [1].

Political Reactions Split Over Cost and Security Implications RenewableUK deputy CEO Jane Cooper says the partnership will drive down costs for bill‑payers and boost regional energy security [1]. Labour shadow energy secretary Claire Countinho warns the rapid wind‑farm build‑out could push up everyone’s energy bills [1]. Conservatives criticize the government for “locking in” high offshore wind prices, while the Reform Party repeatedly attacks net‑zero costs; NATO and the European Commission will attend the summit to discuss stronger protection for offshore infrastructure amid sabotage worries, and US President Donald Trump recently attacked wind power at the World Economic Forum [1].