As hybrid projects in the North Seas advance, and the grid becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for coordination and cooperation among all relevant actors in the region also grows. In 2022, the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) and the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a framework for regional cooperation to facilitate the planning and development of specific offshore renewable projects, including offshore grids.
This week, NSEC and the United Kingdom exchanged views on their ongoing collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to work within the established framework. Both sides value this cooperation and share the ambition of transforming the North Seas into Europe’s green power plant, as outlined in the Ostend Declaration of 2023.
NSEC and the United Kingdom will continue to collaborate in areas such as hybrid and joint projects, maritime spatial planning, grid planning, support frameworks and finance, and renewable hydrogen, as set out in the MoU and as also reflected in the new NSEC work programme for 2025-2027. This cooperation continues to be facilitated through expert dialogue, information exchange, and the sharing of best practices. It was also agreed that NSEC and the United Kingdom will regularly exchange views on the implementation of the 2022 NSEC-UK MoU to ensure an effective and constructive partnership.
On behalf of the NSEC co-presidency, the Danish Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities, Lars Aagaard, and the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, stated:
“The North Seas hold significant renewable energy potential. To fully realize the benefits of the North Seas, we must cooperate at the regional level. We greatly appreciate the UK Government’s focus on developing offshore renewable energy, and we will continue to be constructive partners in our regional efforts to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and provide Europe with a secure and affordable supply of renewable energy.”
On behalf of the United Kingdom the Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy said:
“The only way we can strengthen Europe’s energy security is by increasing the rollout of clean energy and shifting away from volatile fossil fuels which leave us vulnerable to energy price shocks. The North Seas hold the key to unlocking new renewable energy projects which can boost economic growth and create good jobs in the industries of the future – from offshore wind to hydrogen. Working with the EU and NSEC will be crucial to maximise the potential of the region, as part of our joint ambition to make the North Seas the green power plant of Europe.”
Contact the press offices of the Ministry for Climate, Energy and Utilities on +45 41 72 38 05