WindEurope, RenewableUK and more than 30 companies and industry organisations have called on the UK and EU to deepen cooperation on energy policy, electricity trading and offshore wind ahead of their summit in Brussels on 20 November.
In a joint letter, the signatories say closer coordination could reduce electricity costs, strengthen energy security and support the development of clean energy projects and supply chains across Europe.
The letter welcomes an expected agreement to link the UK and EU emissions trading systems (ETS), but calls for a clear implementation timetable and swift exemptions for both sides from the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Linking the carbon markets would create a larger emissions trading system and, the organisations argue, reduce barriers and costs associated with cross-border electricity trade. The letter also urges both parties to agree future electricity trading arrangements that make more effective use of interconnectors linking the UK and Europe and enable greater sharing of renewable power.
The signatories also want to deepen cooperation through the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) framework ahead of the next North Sea Summit in 2028. They say the UK’s offshore wind industry could contribute to shared deployment ambitions, supply chain development and cost reductions.
The signatories also want to deepen cooperation through the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) framework ahead of the next North Sea Summit in 2028. They say the UK’s offshore wind industry could contribute to shared deployment ambitions, supply chain development and cost reductions. Existing projects such as Viking Link, connecting the UK and Danish grids, demonstrate the role of cross-border infrastructure in this cooperation.
The letter further calls for the UK to be recognised as a trusted partner in European clean technology and electricity grid supply chains.
“Europe must become more connected,” said WindEurope CEO Tinne Van der Straeten, arguing that closer cooperation on renewables and electrification would reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. She also called for the UK to become a full member of NSEC.
RenewableUK CEO Tara Singh said linking the emissions trading systems and improving interconnector arrangements could make clean electricity trading more efficient. She cited the UK wind sector’s 2,000 supply chain companies and 55,000 workers as a contribution to wider North Sea cooperation.
The proposals are recommendations from industry signatories; the summit outcome and details of any agreements remain to be confirmed.
