Finance
European nations reinforce wind power commitment with 100 GW pledge
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 26, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Summary
European countries pledge 100 GW offshore wind power to boost energy security. The pact includes the UK, Germany, and Denmark, aiming for 300 GW by 2050.
European Nations Commit to 100 GW Offshore Wind Power Initiative
Commitment to Offshore Wind Power
LONDON, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Britain, Germany, Denmark and other European countries will sign a clean energy pact at a summit in Hamburg on Monday, pledging to deliver 100 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power through large-scale joint projects, the British government said.
Background of the Agreement
The agreement comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump stepped up criticism of green energy, and signals that Western and Northern European governments remain committed to wind power as a way to boost the region's energy security.
Signatories of the Pact
"We are standing up for our national interest by driving for clean energy, which can get the UK off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and give us energy sovereignty and abundance," British energy minister Ed Miliband said in a statement.
Future Goals and Expansion Plans
North Sea countries agreed in 2023 to a broader goal of 300 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050. That followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which sharpened fears about Europe's dependency on Russian gas.
Monday's deal, a draft of which was reported by Reuters last week, will be signed at the North Sea Summit by Britain, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway.
"By planning expansion, grids and industry together and implementing them across borders, we are creating clean and affordable energy, strengthening our industrial base and increasing Europe's strategic sovereignty," said German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche.
Britain said it would also sign other agreements with smaller groups of attending nations to promote more efficient development of cross-border projects, and infrastructure to create wind farms at sea that are directly connected to more than one country.
Earlier in January, Britain secured a record amount of offshore wind capacity in its latest power auction, when projects with a total capacity of 8.4 GW were awarded contracts.
(Reporting by William James;Editing by Helen Popper)
Key Takeaways
- •European countries pledge 100 GW offshore wind power.
- •The pact aims to enhance energy security and sovereignty.
- •Signatories include the UK, Germany, and Denmark.
- •The initiative is a response to reliance on Russian gas.
- •Future goal: 300 GW offshore wind capacity by 2050.
Frequently Asked Questions about European nations reinforce wind power commitment with 100 GW pledge
1What is offshore wind power?
Offshore wind power refers to the generation of electricity using wind turbines located in bodies of water, typically oceans or large lakes, to harness wind energy.
2What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is energy derived from natural processes that are replenished at a faster rate than they are consumed, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
