Energy ministers in Britain and Belgium last week signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the two countries collaborate to build another renewable energy island in the North Sea.
British Energy Minister, Greg HandsThe Belgian Minister of Energy, Tinne Van der StraetenA cooperation agreement in the field of energy was signed last week in a step to expand bilateral relations in the field of energy between the two countries.
Already connected by 1GW Nemo Link operating since early 2019, the expanded UK-Belgium partnership will explore the possibility of a second interconnection, connected to Taqa Island in the North Sea.
Belgian Minister Tine van der Straiten said the new link would allow for direct energy exchange between the two countries and could also link new wind farms. “The new connection is in line with the plan to transform the North Sea into a large sustainable power plant,” the minister said.
“Leadership is the most profitable. This is provided by offshore energy production in Belgium, which has broken all records this month and has a bearish effect on prices.”
The UK has committed to operating 40 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040, while Belgium targets 4.4 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030. “I am pleased to be able to agree today to increase cooperation with our neighbors Belgium in the area of electricity interconnection,” said the Minister British Energy Greg Hands.
“We already have a longstanding energy relationship, and this agreement will enhance our shared energy security and reduce our exposure to global energy prices.”
The MoU between the two countries will also see cooperation on shared energy priorities, including offshore wind power, low carbon hydrogen, and carbon capture, use and storage.
Belgium has already tested the waters in building energy islands, by participating in two announcements with Germany and Denmark in November last year.
This included a cooperation agreement with the Danish national transport system operator (TSO) Energinet to investigate the development of a link between a Danish energy island in the North Sea and the Belgian grid.
Denmark has no shortage of energy islands, having already announced in the middle of 2020 plans to develop two: one in the North Sea and the other in the Baltic Sea, the latter being the centerpiece of the second agreement signed between the two countries. Energy Net The German TSO 50 hertz.
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