"Without strong grids, power stays stranded" – warning to conference exploring energy resilience

As stakeholders from the offshore wind industry gather today in Warsaw to discuss the strategies needed to secure a sustainable and decarbonised, future, Silke Goldberg, partner and global head of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer's ESG and Sustainability practice, will argue that "the Baltic region is fast becoming Europe’s offshore powerhouse – but without stronger grids, that power stays stranded.”

Addressing delegates at the sixth annual Baltic Wind Transmission Conference, Silke will highlight the challenge of transmissions constraints in the Baltic and Europe and outline the technology, policy and regulatory solutions which might offer a solution.

She says: “Europe’s clean energy transition hinges on our ability to modernise and expand the electricity grid at unprecedented speed. As we accelerate renewables deployment and electrification, overcoming transmission constraints is not just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic imperative. 

"Europe’s clean energy dream will fail without the wires to connect it. Offshore wind and solar are ready to deliver, but unless we tackle transmission bottlenecks head-on, with the introduction of more interconnectors, that power will remain stranded at sea and in remote regions.

"By streamlining permitting, investing ahead of demand, and fostering cross-border collaboration, we can unlock the full potential of offshore wind and ensure secure, affordable, and sustainable energy for all. 

"One answer lies in digitalisation and flexibility as, together, they will redefine what a grid can do. From dynamic line ratings to smart EV charging, technology will turn Europe’s transmission system from a constraint into a catalyst for clean growth. With the right policies, innovation, and political will, Europe’s grid can become the backbone of a climate-neutral future.”

To find out more about the conference, for which Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a sponsor, click here.