Minister for Energy and Climate has today (18 December)
signed a landmark agreement on renewable energy cooperation with
EU and North Seas countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding with the North Seas Energy
Cooperation (NSEC) forum fulfils commitments in the UK-EU Trade
and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), enabling the UK to work with
NSEC members to develop renewables projects in the North Seas -
specifically projects linking electricity interconnectors and
windfarms. The countries involved include Belgium, Denmark,
France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway
and the European Commission, signalling a new phase in UK-EU
cooperation.
The MoU sets out the terms for future cooperation between the UK
and NSEC and enables closer cooperation in the development of
offshore renewable energy, including offshore grids in the North
Seas.
The initiative is expected to support the UK’s ambitious targets
to increase offshore wind fivefold to 50GW, and deliver 18GW of
electricity interconnector capacity – up from 8.4 GW today - by
2030.
Minister of State for Energy and Climate, , said:
I’m pleased to agree even greater energy cooperation with our
North Seas neighbours, which will be vital in helping the UK meet
it ambitious renewables target, including increasing offshore
wind fivefold to 50GW by 2030.
The development of renewables in the North Seas is critical for
accelerating our clean transition and boosting energy security
for the UK and our European neighbours.
The UK currently sends and receives electricity through cables
that link us with neighbours like France, Belgium and the
Netherlands. The agreement bolsters the mission to facilitate
further interconnection.
Analysis by National Grid Electricity System Operator shows that
a well-integrated grid linked to offshore wind farms can deliver
savings to consumers of up to around £3 billion.
The former Prime Minister set the ground for the MoU at the European Political
Community summit in Prague in October, setting out the strong
case for close cooperation with the UK’s European neighbours on
energy security and boosting renewables.
Editor’s Notes
The Memorandum of Understanding is available here
The MoU sets out the terms of cooperation between the UK and
NSEC. Participation in NSEC will enable the UK to develop joint
offshore projects with neighbouring countries as well as shape
and influence regional approaches to issues such as cross-border
electricity.
