Discussion on 'Prospects for UK-EU energy co-operation'

Speakers:
Alistair McGirr, Group Head of Policy & Advocacy, SSE plc
Cillian O'Donoghue, Policy Director, Eureletric
Rebecca Sedler, Managing Director - Interconnectors, National Grid plc
Marina Skrinar, Director, International Net Zero: Trade & Energy, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, UK
John Springford, Associate Fellow, Centre for European Reform (chair)

The event launched 'Power losses: What's holding back European electricity trade?' by John Springford, on how the EU can improve electricity trading with its neighbours, especially the UK. The North Sea is an important source of wind power, and its further development will require co-operation on interconnectors and electricity trade regulation between the countries that border it. Higher cross-border trade can help with renewables intermittency and price volatility, and reduce the need for back-up power and storage. Separate emissions trading regimes and the UK and EU's plans for CBAMs have the potential to inhibit the trade in energy. The panel discussed how large the gains from closer co-operation might be; the political pitfalls of energy trade, both at the national and EU-UK level; and ways to overcome them.