Post-Brexit agreement heralds new wave of interconnectors
Published 19 December 2022
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The development of new direct interconnector links with the UK’s North Sea offshore wind farms looks set to be spurred by the signing of a post-Brexit energy development agreement.
The UK has not been a member of the nine- country strong North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) since its 2020 withdrawal from the EU.
However the UK and the NSEC, which was set up to support offshore grid and renewable energy development in the North Sea, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that is designed to create a framework for greater cooperation between Britain and its neighbouring countries.
The agreement, which the government said signalled a new phase in cooperation with the EU, will enable the UK to work with NSEC members to develop projects directly linking electricity interconnectors and offshore windfarms.
Enabling offshore wind farms to have their own interconnector links would enable them to sell power directly to other countries, which could be more lucrative if UK power prices are very low because a surfeit of renewable electricity is being generated.
More broadly, the MoU sets out the terms for broader future cooperation between the UK and NSEC, enabling closer cooperation on the development of offshore grids and renewable energy.
The NSEC comprises Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the European Commission.
Graham Stuart, minister of state for energy and climate, said: “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.
“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.
“The UK currently sends and receives electricity through cables that link us with neighbours like France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The agreement bolsters the mission to facilitate further interconnection.”
The UK’s reliance on interconnectors for its energy security has been underlined during the cold snap, which has just finished, when the electricity supplied through links with other European countries has warded off the threat of blackouts.
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