North Sea Programme 2022-2027

North Sea Programme 2022–2027

The North Sea Programme 2022–2027, adopted in March 2022, designated—among other things—wind energy areas for the development of 10.7 GW of additional wind capacity by 2030, contributing to national climate targets of at least a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. It also included measures to strengthen the North Sea ecosystem, such as fishing restrictions in ecologically valuable areas. Furthermore, the programme outlined policies regarding shipping safety, sand extraction, defence, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
For information on the development of this programme, please consult the background documents.

This programme has been superseded by the Partially Revised North Sea Programme (PHPNZ) described below. The PHPNZ contains the currently applicable policy.

Partially Revised North Sea Programme 2022–2027

The PHPNZ designates additional wind energy areas for an indicative installed capacity of 21 GW. Agreements have been reached regarding preferred forms of co-use (nature enhancement and restoration in Area 6/7 and, provided it is safe, feasible, and practicable, active fishing in the Doordewind area).
Additionally, the reservation zone for sand extraction is being expanded to meet the increased demand for extractable sand for coastal defence and for use as fill and construction sand. Adjustments have been made to existing policy and assessment frameworks, and a new assessment framework has been added for the integration of cables and pipelines near shipping routes. The programme also includes information on cooperation among North Sea nations within the Greater North Sea Basin Initiative (GNSBI) and a description of the North Sea Infrastructure Protection Programme (PBNI). For information on the development of this PHPNZ, please refer to the background documents (in Dutch). Parallel to the amendment of this PHPNZ, Marine Strategy Part 3 has also been amended (to a minor extent).