Climate Minister, Kerry McCarthy, championed closer UK-EU cooperation in the North Seas to deliver growth and greater energy security when visiting Brussels for the first time.
Delivering a keynote speech to European leaders at the European Energy Forum, McCarthy made the case that the UK and EU can transform the North Seas into the green power plant of Europe by working together, with an energy transition in the region providing a pathway for the oil and gas workforce to deliver a decarbonised future for the North Sea through offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen.
McCarthy’s visit came as independent consultants, Grant Thornton, published a report commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, showing how closer cooperation on the clean energy transition in the North Seas would lead to lower bills, 51,000 jobs and £36 billion for the UK economy.
In a scenario where there is close cooperation, the report suggested GB projects would be able to access adjacent electricity markets for hydrogen production and multiple energy hubs, connected to multiple countries, would be dynamically responding to changing demands and see surplus electricity used for hydrogen production.
McCarthy described the EU as a “crucial ally” in boosting energy security and protecting families and businesses across Europe from volatile fossil fuel markets, while Tsvetelina Penkova, President of the European Energy Forum, added: “Key areas such as energy grids, connectivity and nuclear power require close collaboration to strengthen infrastructure, drive innovation, and support the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems. By working together, we can create a more resilient and interconnected energy network that benefits both parties and contributes to a secure and sustainable energy future.”
