UK Signs MoU with EU, North Sea Countries for Offshore Wind

Graham Stuart, Minister for Energy and Climate, the United Kingdom, has signed a landmark agreement on renewable energy cooperation with European Union (EU) and North Seas countries.

The official statement of the UK government has held that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 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 UK said that the initiative is expected to support the country’s ambitious targets to increase offshore wind fivefold to 50 GW, and deliver 18 GW of electricity interconnector capacity by 2030. This is way higher from 8.4 GW which is the present capacity of the UK.

The UK also mentioned that 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 deal also 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 former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss had set the ground for the MoU at the European Political Community summit in Prague in October, 2022.

Graham Stuart said on the pact, “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 50 GW by 2030.” He also said that the island country currently sends and receives electricity through cables that link it with neighbours like France, Belgium and the Netherlands, and 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.

According to the recently published Energy Security Strategy, the UK government wants to increase low carbon and green energy to the energy mix of the country in the wake of Russia-Ukraine conflict. The country has also pledged a 100 per cent low carbon mix by 2035.