UK, Ireland Ink MOUs for Gas Supply Security, Offshore Renewables

Ireland and the United Kingdom have signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to boost cooperation for developing offshore renewable energy, explore further electricity interconnection opportunities, and enhance the security of gas supplies.

Ireland Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan signed the MOUs with UK Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero Claire Coutinho, according to a news release from the Ireland government Monday.

The MOU on Cooperation in the Energy Transition, Offshore Renewables, and Electricity Interconnection will facilitate stronger cooperation on opportunities for further electrical interconnection between the island of Ireland and Great Britain, according to the release.

The MOU on Cooperation for Natural Gas Security of Supply is to strengthen established practices and cooperation between the two countries and their relevant government departments on the security of natural gas supply, outlining how to work together when the supply is reduced or disrupted, the release said.

“Electricity Interconnectors enable electricity trading between countries and this trade will play a vital role in our shared energy future. The opportunities to be explored will include the feasibility of a joint multipurpose interconnector project”, the release said.

Ireland and the UK have also agreed to facilitate increased information-sharing on the transition to renewable energy and deployment of onshore and offshore renewable energy, including renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, according to the release.

"Climate change does not recognize borders so it is vital that we work in collaboration with our closest neighbors when it comes to realizing the potential of renewable energy to achieve our climate goals and greater energy security”, Ryan said. “Increased levels of cooperation regarding offshore renewable energy, offshore grids, and enhanced interconnection is [sic] both productive and timely for Ireland because of the UK’s status as the global leader in the development of offshore renewable energy, and Ireland’s considerable offshore renewable resource”.

"The UK is Ireland’s closest and one of our most important energy partners. Ireland will therefore benefit significantly from plans to explore development of further interconnection between our all-island electricity market and Great Britain. This highlights the benefits of enhanced interconnection, which include increased security of supply, improved wholesale market competition, and the possibility to export surplus renewable electricity during times of oversupply”, Ryan continued.

"In the future, most of our energy needs will be met by renewable electricity, but as we transition natural gas will play a crucial back-up role in Ireland’s energy system. I welcome the opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the well-established arrangements and engagement with the UK as we work to enhance the security of energy supply in parallel to decarbonizing our economy”, Ryan said.

"As two nations committed to boosting energy resilience and reaching net zero, today marks a historic moment for the UK and Ireland, as we work more closely together to achieve our shared energy goals”, Coutinho said.

"The UK continues to lead the world on energy security and reaching net zero, accelerating our deployment of renewables and homegrown supplies of energy, while working in collaboration with international partners to tackle climate change”, Coutinho noted.

"Today’s landmark agreements will see us deepen our energy partnership with Ireland, to deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy to our homes and businesses, and grow our economies”, Coutinho added.

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