An interconnected offshore grid of North Sea wind farms with an output of 68,400 megawatts could serve up to 70 million households by 2030. Constructing such a grid, as outlined in a new commissioned by Greenpeace, would cost around €15-20 billion. “Building a North Sea grid is not just a pipe dream; it’s common sense both environmentally and financially. Greenpeace calls on the Commission to deliver a strong EU Action Plan for offshore wind and to push for a coordinated approach to make this scenario a reality,” said Greenpeace campaigner Frauke Thies in a statement. The Commission is due to present an action plan on offshore wind this autumn, as part of a wider EU Strategic Energy Review. The plan will include recommendations on how to coordinate member states’ efforts to realise such large-scale offshore wind projects, according to Commission official Hans van Steen, head of unit for renewables regulatory policy in DG TREN.