News
Closer alignment between UK and EU on energy policy will cut bills and boost energy security
12 November 2026
WindEurope and RenewableUK have joined more than 40 major companies and industry organisations in calling for a closer energy partnership between the UK and EU, to bring down electricity bills, strengthen energy security and accelerate the development of clean power across Europe.
In the run-up to the EU-UK summit in Brussels on 20th November, the organisations urge leaders to build on shared ambitions and deepen cooperation on energy policy, electricity trading, offshore wind and clean energy supply chains.
With an announcement expected at the summit to link the UK’s and the EU’s Emissions Trading Systems (ETS), the letter welcomes the upcoming agreement and calls for a clear timetable for implementation and swift exemptions for both sides from the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) which puts a carbon price on imported goods. Linking the two carbon markets would create a larger, more integrated system, support cleaner electricity trade and avoid unnecessary costs and barriers for the energy sector.
The letter also supports the ongoing EU-UK discussions on future electricity trading arrangements and calls for a pragmatic approach to enable more efficient cross-border electricity trading to reduce costs using interconnectors. Better arrangements would allow the UK and EU to make greater use of interconnectors, maximise the benefits of clean energy generated in the North Sea and help to deliver a more resilient energy system with lower costs.
The signatories strongly welcome the ongoing EU-UK collaboration within the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) agreement, and they urge both parties to deepen their partnership ahead of the next North Sea Summit in 2028.The UK is a leader on offshore wind energy and would make a key contribution to NSEC’s ambitions and strengthen the delivery of the shared targets, as well as supporting supply chain development and cost reductions.
The organisations also urge both sides to build on their close industrial ties and recognise the UK as a trusted partner in strengthening Europe’s clean technology and electricity grid supply chains.
WindEurope CEO Tinne Van der Straeten said: “As the world is becoming more divided, Europe must become more connected. Homegrown renewables and electrification are the first lines of defence against an increasingly uncertain global energy market. They reduce our exposure to volatile fossil fuels, strengthen our energy security and bring down power prices for households and businesses. The EU and the UK will mutually benefit from stronger energy cooperation – starting with the UK again becoming a full member of the North Seas Energy Cooperation.”
RenewableUK CEO Tara Singh said: “Linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Systems will make it easier and cheaper to trade clean electricity, helping to reduce costs for households and businesses. Better use of our interconnectors will also allow us to share power more efficiently, strengthen our energy security and reduce our exposure to volatile international fossil fuel prices, which have caused so much hardship for billpayers. Looking ahead, greater cooperation on clean energy projects in the North Sea will help us both reduce costs and increase UK exports, leveraging the 2,000 supply chain companies and 55,000 people already working in UK wind“