The UK and German Governments have agreed a new partnership to help secure safe, affordable and clean energy for consumers in both nations.
Under the new partnership signed by UK Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, the UK and Germany have reaffirmed their shared ambition and commitment to net zero and progressing the energy transition.
Europe’s two largest economies have also doubled down on commitments made under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
The energy and climate partnership sees both countries commit to enhance cooperation in renewables, notably offshore wind and electricity interconnection, to remove regulatory barriers and accelerate deployment of offshore hybrid projects.
In addition, the two countries will share industry knowledge and expertise to improve the exploration of carbon capture, utilisation and storage, including the cross-border transport of CO2 and strengthen and promote regional and global energy security, including discussions on winter preparedness, security of infrastructure and supply chains.
They will also share best practices and lessons learned on industrial, buildings and heat decarbonisation, energy efficiency and net zero policies and strategies.
The energy and climate partnership incorporates the UK-Germany hydrogen partnership signed by Lord Callanan in September.
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “The UK and Germany agree on the importance of clean, affordable energy and we both recognise its crucial role in growing our economies and guaranteeing national and global energy security.
“We are already working together in the North Sea to deliver our world-leading offshore wind ambitions, as well as linking our countries with subsea electricity cables.
“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 said:
“Germany and the UK face similar challenges. We have made good progress regarding the transition towards climate neutrality, but there is still a long path ahead of us. 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 future.”