• E3G urges governments to use an ambitious offshore wind agenda to turn the North Seas into a security anchor for Europe.
  • North Seas nations can together show leadership in agreeing a security-by-design approach to boost security and deliver a stronger industry.
  • Energy ministers and Heads of States of ten North Seas nations will meet to discuss renewable energy infrastructure expansion at the Hamburg North Seas Summit on 26 January, in the presence of NATO Secretary General Marc Rutte.

Allocating a portion of defence spending to offshore wind infrastructure can secure Europe against emerging security threats, according to a new report from E3G. The independent climate think tank is urging governments to coordinate addressing security risks in the region, as it seeks to build energy resilience through expanded offshore wind infrastructure, at the upcoming 2026 North Seas Summit (26 January.)

The 2025 NATO Summit saw allies agree that up to 1.5% of GDP may be allocated for broader security-related spending, an annual figure close to €200 billion for North Seas NATO members. E3G urges leaders of North Seas countries to agree at the Summit to dedicate part of this to finance a security-by-design approach for expanding energy infrastructure in the North Seas.

The result of research conducted with government, industry and civil society stakeholders across Europe, E3G’s new report Empowering Europe: Delivering the security and economic benefits of clean energy in the North Seas, provides policy recommendations to enhance the future security and the resilience of Europe through stronger cooperation.

Resilience and Regional Security
North Seas wind infrastructure can enhance Europe’s security and industrial competitiveness if it is incorporated into the continent’s broader security approach and industrial strategy. For instance, deploying new “dual-use” infrastructure and upgrading existing wind assets with security equipment can strengthen surveillance and protection capabilities. The construction of this dual-use infrastructure could be funded using domestic defence and security spending in line with NATO commitments.

Europe’s Offshore Wind Industry and the EU’s opportunity
Europe is a global leader in wind energy manufacturing and innovation, with manufacturers Siemens Energy and Vestas holding nearly 40% of the global market for complete offshore wind turbines in 2024. Europe is in a strong position to be a leader in this growing market in the face of global competition, if steady demand in the North Seas and a coordinated ‘Made with Europe’ strategy are delivered. This can boost regional supply chains for critical wind-energy components, such as permanent magnets or those related to cyber-security, and enhance the resilience of supply chains.

Delivery on the 2050 target for 300GW of offshore wind in the North Seas, will require making the most of the region’s resources. North Seas countries will need to jointly identify essential supply chain elements for in-region manufacturing, alongside promoting better-coordinated schedules of offshore wind tender rollouts. Agreement at the Summit to set out a North Seas Spatial Energy Plan by 2027 would deliver the clear forward paths and the predictability needed to ensure vital investments.

About the North Sea Summit
Germany will host the 3rd North Sea Summit in Hamburg on January 26, 2026, bringing together heads of state and government, and energy ministers from ten North Seas countries, the European Commission, NATO, and over 100 industry representatives. Discussions will focus on building out efficient and interconnected energy infrastructure, with expected outcomes including intergovernmental summit declarations, agreements on cooperation projects, and commitments with industry.

Nick Mabey, CEO, E3G, said

“Offshore wind, when built for defence and properly funded, can strengthen national security. The sector needs to carry out meticulous planning for physical and cyber resilience, alongside efforts to secure critical supply chains and foster deeper regional cooperation. At this year’s North Sea Summit, Governments must make real progress on delivery and on mapping out how countries can address these increasingly urgent issues.”

Lisa Fischer, Associate Director, Energy Transition, E3G, said

”North Seas offshore wind is not optional—it’s essential. It secures stable energy, modern infrastructure, and Europe’s industrial leadership. The North Sea summit must back a strong delivery agenda with real political commitment.”

Source: E3G