In a collaborative effort to ensure the provision of safe, affordable, and clean energy for their citizens, the governments of the United Kingdom and Germany have entered into a strategic partnership agreement.
This groundbreaking energy and climate partnership, signed by UK Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, reinforces the shared commitment of both nations to achieving net-zero emissions and advancing the global energy transition. This partnership also reaffirms their dedication to the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, with a focus on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
At the core of this collaboration lies a commitment to intensify efforts in the renewable energy sector, particularly in offshore wind projects and cross-border electricity interconnections. The two nations will work together to overcome regulatory hurdles and expedite the deployment of offshore hybrid projects, driving the growth of renewable energy.
Moreover, the partnership seeks to foster the exchange of industry knowledge and expertise to further the exploration of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). This includes exploring the transportation of carbon dioxide across borders. Additionally, the UK and Germany aim to bolster regional and global energy security through discussions on winter preparedness, infrastructure security, and resilient supply chains.
The countries will also engage in knowledge sharing, sharing best practices and lessons learned in areas such as industrial, building, and heat decarbonization, energy efficiency, and the formulation of net-zero policies and strategies.
This comprehensive energy and climate partnership builds upon the UK-Germany hydrogen partnership established in September and underlines the commitment of both nations to lead the way in the global transition toward sustainable and green energy solutions.
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho expressed the significance of this partnership, saying, “The UK and Germany agree on the importance of clean, affordable energy, and we both recognize its crucial role in growing our economies and guaranteeing national and global energy security. Today's agreement will see us extend and deepen our partnership to ensure we continue to lead Europe and the world in making the green transition.”
German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck emphasized the value of cooperation, stating, “Cooperation with reliable partners can help all partners to advance not only faster, but better. We can learn from each other's experiences, share knowledge and work together to reach our common goals. The joint declaration signed today builds upon a long history of cooperation and provides a sound framework for successfully working together in the future.”
