The UK agreed a deal with the EU and a string of European nations over North Sea offshore wind cooperation, breathing new life into a relationship that has languished since Brexit.
Britain signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) to work together over development of renewables and power grid infrastructure, renewing ties with the group that the UK left when it exited the EU at the end of 2020.
The MoU covers Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and the European Commission.
Cooperation between the UK – one of the world’s largest and most ambitious offshore wind markets – and mainland Europe is seen as essential for both sides to achieve their climate and energy independence goals, with a sharper focus on the latter since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The MoU commits the UK and NSEC to work together in areas such as offshore grid planning – including so-called ‘hybrid’ projects that link more than one nation – maritime spatial planning, “support frameworks and finance” and technical standards and regulations.
British energy minister Graham Stuart said the agreement “will be vital in helping the UK meet it ambitious renewables target, including increasing offshore wind fivefold to 50GW by 2030”. That target is a fourfold increase on what’s in place now.
For its part, the EU wants to see 60GW off its coasts by the end of the decade and 300GW by 2050, while the NSEC nations are between them aiming for 260GW by mid-century.
The two sides said the MoU builds on the trade agreement signed between the UK and EU after Brexit. The relationship since has seen the two lock horns over aspects of Britain’s support scheme for renewable energy projects, which the EU complained unfairly incentivises UK local content.
The MoU signed on Sunday says “effective cooperation should be conducted in line with the principles of transparency and level playing field for open and fair competition and sustainable development, while respecting the decision-making autonomy of the Sides.
“The rules of the World Trade Organisation on trade and investment also serve as a benchmark for an effective cooperation of the Sides under this Memorandum.”
Giles Dickson, CEO of industry body WindEurope, said: “Well done to the EU and UK. It makes absolute sense for both to collaborate on offshore wind. It’s great they’re going to do so with this MoU. It’ll help improve energy flows between countries in Northwest Europe, which is good for energy security across Europe. It’ll help pool investments in offshore infrastructure which will be good for energy bills.
“And it’s good for maritime spatial planning and biodiversity: the best approach to protecting marine life is the sea-basin wide approach.”
Note: update adds WindEurope comment
