Britain’s electricity system operator has struck a new working agreement with European grid operators, bolstering cross-border cooperation in -Brexit energy era.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) and UK transmission owners have finalised a deal with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), aimed at strengthening security, boosting clean power and improving interconnector efficiency.
NESO will now represent all British electricity transmission network operators in coordination meetings with ENTSO-E, the body overseeing 40 transmission operators across 36 countries.
Fintan Slye, NESO CEO, said: “We warmly welcome these new working arrangements… recognising the importance of collaboration across our various organisations to strengthen energy security and clean power.”
The agreement builds on other post-Brexit technical partnerships, including those between UK gas operators and ENTSOG, and Ofgem and ACER. It also complements energy cooperation commitments made during the UK-EU Summit in May.
Zbynek Boldis, ENTSO-E President, called it a vital step for the future: “This cooperation enables us to respond jointly to the complex challenges of the energy transition… We value the strong and constructive partnership with UK TSOs and look forward to deepening our cooperation.”
The deal opens the door to enhanced collaboration on offshore grid planning, shared system operations and the effective use of interconnectors – seen as increasingly important in a renewables-heavy system.
Although UK transmission system operators (TSOs) lost full ENTSO-E membership after Brexit – except for Northern Ireland’s SONI – both sides agreed the need for ongoing coordination. Today’s move gives the UK a seat at the table without formal membership.
As Europe’s energy systems become more interconnected and decarbonised, the new partnership aims to keep Britain plugged in to the continent’s clean power shift
British and European grids get closer appeared first on Energy Live News.