The European North Sea Energy Alliance (ENSEA) aims to increase the competitiveness of research-driven energy clusters through better coordination and exploitation of research. A key driver for cluster policy definition in ENSEA will be the adoption of an energy system approach by all four partner regions, focusing on how to handle the rising share of renewable energy production in the existing energy system. ENSEA regions capitalise on the current successful collaboration between the Northern Netherlands and North Western Germany (Hansa Energy Corridor) extending this approach to Scotland and Norway.ENSEA brings together 4 high growth potential research-driven energy clusters (>20 research institutes and > 90 billion Euro investments within the regions) combines Europe’s largest players within the field of production and distribution of natural gas and electricity (Energy Valley), fossil gas and oil exploration (Scottish region), supplier of clean energy (Rogaland) and renewables (Ems-Achse). The interaction between these activities create a highly advanced energy system.Increased transnational coordination of efficient knowledge development is necessary to prevent inefficient resource use and speed up the implementation of a resource efficient Europe. By facilitating highly directed knowledge development ENSEA aims to:1) align extensive research and education programs;2) build a transnational network of large and small businesses;3) measure and monitor our network developments through social network interaction;4) build upon existing partnerships such as the Sichuan region in China to open up new markets.The balancing function of the ENSEA regions combined is not only a crucial precondition for sufficient and affordable sustainable energy, it will prevent inefficient use of public and private funding while contributing to the development of a competitive and innovative energy economy throughout the North Sea region.