Members of the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), the UK, and the European Commission have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation for the development of offshore renewable energy.
The countries involved include Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and the European Commission.
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 UK currently sends and receives electricity through cables that link the country with neighbours like France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The agreement bolsters the mission to facilitate further interconnection, the UK government said.
The move follows an NSEC Ministerial meeting in Dublin in September that set a target of at least 260 GW of offshore wind energy by 2050, which will represent more than 85 per cent of the EU-wide ambition of reaching at least 300 GW by 2050.
“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”, said Graham Stuart MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate.
“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.”