Wind Energy – Politics
Today European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will participate in an Offshore Wind Summit with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the Belgian Prime Ministers Alexander De Croo, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
In a joint declaration they are set to highlight the role of home-grown North Sea offshore wind in strengthening the EU’s energy security. The event coincides with the presentation of the EU’s REPowerEU Action Plan which will also underline the central role of wind energy.
The President of the European Commission and all politicians will meet in the Port of Esbjerg (Denmark). They will sign a declaration on a common vision for offshore wind and related infrastructure in the North Sea.
The Summit takes place on the very same day the EU presents the REPowerEU Action Plan, its strategic plan to wean Europe off Russian fossil fuel imports and accelerate the expansion of renewables.
Von der Leyen’s presence in Esbjerg underlines how central the expansion of wind energy is for Europe’s energy system.
To strengthen Europe’s energy security, REPowerEU wants wind energy to grow from 190 GW today to 480 GW in 2030. This requires the simplification of permitting and concerted action to strengthen Europe’s wind energy supply chain. It also requires massive investments in offshore grid infrastructure, port facilities and vessels.
