Ireland and the UK have signed an extension to their existing energy cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will see increased cooperation between both countries in the energy transition.
Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, and UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy announced that the agreement builds on an MoU signed by both countries in 2023, on ‘Cooperation in the Energy Transition, Offshore Renewables and Electricity Interconnection’.
Since that MoU was signed, several working group meetings between Ireland and UK policy officials, including Ministers, have taken place on energy cooperation and information sharing.
Extended cooperation
The extended MoU broadens this cooperation into new areas, including approaches to decarbonising industries; ensuring business competitiveness while reducing carbon leakage; decarbonising buildings with a focus on the just transition; maintaining energy affordability; promoting the community benefits from energy infrastructure; and hydrogen transmission and storage infrastructure.
“Renewed collaboration with our UK neighbours takes place against the backdrop of a changing and uncertain world,” commented Minister O’Brien. “Energy markets are currently operating in an increasingly complex world as they continue to grapple with the Russia-Ukraine war, and the crisis in the Middle East, and persistent high inflation.
“This agreement also comes amid a series of recent climate warnings, with the latest warning noting how western Europe experienced its hottest June on record. The decarbonisation of our energy systems and the move away from fossil fuels has never been more important.”
‘Common goals’
Elsewhere, Minister McCarthy emphasised the shared “common goals” of secure, green energy and an end to both countries’ reliance on fossil fuels.
“Today’s agreement demonstrates the continued strength of our relationship on energy and climate,” he said. “We are delighted to stand with Ireland as a climate leader, to protect future generations and deliver growth and energy security for the British and Irish people.” Read more here.
Pictured are Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien (right) and UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy (left), from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
