The North Sea will continue to play a significant role in the energy provision for Northwest Europe, even in the post-fossil energy era. For this to be achieved substantial investments are needed, as well as a coherent and common vision on the transformation of the North Sea. The ambition and roadmaps to achieve this form the central theme of the Conference held by the World Energy Council in The Hague, on January 24th, where a wide range of stakeholders discussed the future of the North Sea.