Twelve offshore transmission system operators (TSOs) have presented initial findings from a pilot study under the Offshore TSO Collaboration (OTC), exploring the development of a joint offshore grid in the North Sea. The study highlights the role of the North Sea as a key driver of Europe’s transition to an independent, affordable, and low-carbon energy system.
Over the past three years, TSOs from the North Sea, Irish Sea and Celtic Sea have worked together to align infrastructure development with the aims of the Esbjerg and Ostend Declarations, which seek to significantly expand offshore wind capacity in the region.
The study outlines a regional approach to offshore grid planning, showing the potential for economic and environmental benefits. A proposed grid map includes cross-border projects integrated into a wider regional framework to maximise synergies and cost-efficiency.
Selected projects are expected to be submitted to the Ten-Year Network Development Plan 2026, with the OTC also calling for a government-backed regional planning process to complement existing national and European frameworks.
