Allocating a share of defence spending to offshore wind infrastructure could strengthen Europe’s security and energy resilience, according to a new report from E3G. The climate policy think tank calls for closer coordination among governments to address security risks linked to energy systems and critical infrastructure.
At the 2025 NATO Summit, allies agreed that up to 1.5% of gross domestic product could be allocated to broader security-related spending. For NATO members around the North Seas, this represents close to €200 billion per year. E3G argues that part of this funding could support a security-by-design approach for new and existing energy infrastructure.
The report, Empowering Europe: Delivering the security and economic benefits of clean energy in the North Seas, is based on research with government, industry and civil society stakeholders across Europe. It sets out policy recommendations aimed at improving long-term security and resilience through stronger regional cooperation.
According to E3G, offshore wind infrastructure can contribute to Europe’s security if it is integrated into wider security planning and industrial strategy. This could include the deployment of dual-use infrastructure and the upgrading of existing wind assets with monitoring and protection equipment. Such measures could be financed through domestic defence and security budgets in line with NATO commitments.
E3G notes that sustained demand and coordinated industrial policies could support regional supply chains for key components, including permanent magnets and cyber-security systems, and improve overall supply chain resilience.
Meeting the target of 300 GW of offshore wind capacity in the North Seas by 2050 will require closer coordination between countries. The report highlights the need to identify critical supply chain elements suitable for regional manufacturing and to improve alignment of offshore wind tender schedules to provide clearer investment signals.
