Nine European Nations Sign 100 GW Offshore Wind Pact Amid Trump’s Anti‑Wind Rhetoric

Updated 2026-02-19 05:00:34+00:00 (3 articles)

Nine Nations Commit to 100 GW North Sea Offshore Wind Hub On Feb 19 2026, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom signed a joint declaration at the North Sea Summit to create a 100‑gigawatt offshore wind hub in the North Sea [1]. The project is projected to generate enough electricity for roughly 50 million homes across Europe [1]. Power will be transmitted via high‑voltage subsea cables, aiming to lower electricity prices and boost energy security [1]. The agreement represents the largest coordinated clean‑energy initiative in the region [1].

Trump’s Davos Speech Labels Wind Buyers ‘Stupid People’ In a January 2026 address at Davos, President Donald Trump called windmills “losers” and derided nations that purchase wind power as “stupid people” [1]. His comments echo a broader U.S. policy under his administration that expands fossil‑fuel exports while restricting domestic wind and solar projects [1]. The administration announced a $250 billion, three‑year purchase of U.S. oil, gas and nuclear fuel, actions that have added volatility to European energy markets [1]. Trump’s rhetoric frames renewable projects as economically foolish, contrasting sharply with Europe’s offshore wind push [1].

Hub Intended to Cut Europe’s Energy Vulnerability and Costs Europe currently imports nearly 60 % of its energy, a dependence highlighted by the 2022 Russian gas cut‑off and subsequent reliance on U.S. LNG, which has driven up prices [1]. Experts view the nine‑nation offshore wind hub as a strategic move to reduce that vulnerability, cut costs through scale, and shift renewable policy toward geopolitical security [1]. Wind already supplies about 30 % of EU electricity, and the new hub could accelerate the transition while providing a buffer against external supply shocks [1].

Sources

1.
CNN: Europe’s Nine‑Nation Offshore Wind Deal Follows Trump’s Anti‑Wind Rhetoric – outlines the nine‑nation declaration, Trump’s Davos comments, and the geopolitical context of Europe’s energy dependence.
2026-02-19 05:00:34+00:00

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Timeline

2022 – Europe imports nearly 60 % of its energy, heavily relying on Russian gas that has been used as a geopolitical weapon since the invasion of Ukraine, underscoring the bloc’s vulnerability to supply shocks. [3]

2023 – The United Kingdom’s ten existing undersea interconnectors deliver about £1.6 billion in consumer savings by importing cheap off‑peak power, establishing a foundation for expanded cross‑border links. [1]

2025 – Ørsted abandons the Hornsea 4 offshore wind project, a sign of the cost pressures confronting large‑scale renewable developments. [2]

Jan 14, 2026 – The UK awards a record 8.4 GW of offshore wind capacity to England, Scotland and Wales, including the first phase of Berwick Bank that could become the world’s largest offshore wind farm, moving the nation toward its 43 GW offshore target for 2030. [2]

Jan 14, 2026 – The auction sets an average fixed price of roughly £91 /MWh (2024 prices), up from £82 /MWh, yet still well below projected gas prices of £147 /MWh with carbon costs, highlighting renewables’ cost competitiveness. [2]

Jan 14, 2026 – Environmental groups raise concerns that the Berwick Bank development may threaten seabird populations, adding ecological considerations to the expansion. [2]

Jan 26, 2026 – The UK joins nine European nations in a 100 GW North Sea offshore wind partnership, aiming for 20 GW under construction by 2030 and pledging to complete the scheme by 2050. [1]

Jan 26, 2026 – Jane Cooper, deputy CEO of RenewableUK, says the deal will “drive down costs for billpayers,” while Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Countinho warns the rapid build‑out could push up electricity bills. [1]

Jan 26, 2026 – The agreement introduces the first direct multi‑country interconnectors that will link wind farms to several neighbouring grids, expected to further smooth price spikes after existing links already saved £1.6 bn. [1]

Jan 27, 2026 – Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signs the Hamburg declaration at the North Sea summit, formally committing the UK to the offshore wind scheme and the 2050 completion target. [1]

Jan 2026 – Former US President Donald Trump denounces wind power at Davos, calling windmills “losers” and buyers “stupid people,” reflecting a hostile US stance toward renewables. [3]

Feb 19, 2026 – Nine European states sign a joint declaration at the North Sea Summit to build a 100 GW offshore wind hub that will generate enough electricity for roughly 50 million homes, aiming to cut costs and boost energy security. [3]

Feb 19, 2026 – Experts note the hub will raise wind’s share of EU electricity to 30 % and shift policy focus from pure climate goals to broader economic and political security. [3]

By 2030 – The partnership targets 20 GW of offshore wind under construction and a total UK offshore capacity of 43 GW, requiring rapid grid upgrades and project delivery. [1][2]

By 2050 – The UK commits to completing its share of the 100 GW North Sea offshore wind scheme, cementing its position as the world’s second‑largest offshore wind market after China. [1]