A legal framework for a transnational offshore grid in the North Sea

A legal framework for a transnational offshore grid in the North SeaMost North Sea states consider offshore wind energy as a substantial contributor towards reaching their renewable energy targets. With the increasing number of offshore wind farms and the increasing distance from shore, the question of how to efficiently bring the electricity to shore is gaining importance. To date, the standard approach for transporting the energy to shore is to provide each wind farm with an individual park-to-shore cable. Due to the costs of submarine cables, the scarceness of acceptable cable routes and the potential conflicts with other users of the sea, new concepts are required. To harness the offshore wind energy in a more efficient manner, the North Sea states thus consider to develop a transnational offshore grid. This PhD thesis examines the current legal framework applying to offshore grid development under international law, EU law and national law. It reveals that the legal frameworks have not been developed to facilitate such complex (cross-border) infrastructure. The book then identifies the main legal and regulatory barriers that a transnational offshore grid would face. Subsequently, recommendations are given of how to address these barriers and of how to enable the offshore grid. The thesis analysis which legal changes are necessary and how they can be implemented. It is argued that the North Sea states have to become active and establish an alternative legal framework for offshore grid projects