Five European transmission system operators from Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding at WindEurope Annual Event 2026 in Madrid to strengthen cooperation on offshore cable infrastructure in the North Sea.
The signatories – Elia, Energinet, 50Hertz and TenneT (Netherlands and Germany)– will assess, over an initial period of at least one year, opportunities to align strategic and technical approaches.
The scope includes sharing knowledge on repair procedures, spare parts and fault detection, as well as mapping available vessels, materials and technical capabilities. The aim is to identify efficiency gains that could support faster and more effective repairs, while reducing system impact and associated costs.
The cooperation will be organised through four working groups covering repair logistics, spare parts and equipment, fault detection, and legal and financial frameworks.
Subject to the outcome of the feasibility phase, the initiative may develop into a longer-term form of cooperation. It is also open to other transmission system operators within the OTC group.
