North Seas Energy Cooperation

North Seas Energy Cooperation
Logo of North Seas Energy Cooperation
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Administrative centerBrussels, Belgium
MembersBelgium
Denmark
France
Germany
Ireland
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Sweden
European Commission
Establishment
• NSCOGI proposed
2008
• NSEC Established
2016

The North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), officially the Political Declaration on energy cooperation between the North Seas Countries,[1] is a collaboration between EU member-states and Norway to create an integrated offshore energy grid which links wind farms and other renewable energy sources across the northern seas of Europe. First proposed as the North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative (NSCOGI), it is one of several European super grid schemes.

Electricity would be transmitted via high-voltage direct current cables, allowing it to be sold and exchanged in all involved countries. It would also make it easier to optimise energy production,[2] and make the system overall less susceptible to the climate; Norway's hydroelectric power plants could act as a "giant battery", storing the power produced and releasing it at peak times, or when wind strength is low. Several high-voltage direct current interconnectors such as the North Sea Link between Norway and Britain (operational since 2021) have been seen as integral parts of the project.[3]

  1. ^ "Political Declaration on energy cooperation between the North Seas Countries" (PDF) (Press release). 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  2. ^ "Nine countries sign up to develop Europe's first offshore wind grid". Science Business. 10 December 2009. Retrieved 9 January 2010.
  3. ^ Gibbs, Walter (17 August 2010). "Norway hydro can aid Europe move to renewables-IEA". Fox Business. FOX News Network. Retrieved 14 November 2010.