Fluxys and other major transmission-system operators (TSOs) have made a commitment to harmonious development of all renewable energy potential in the North Sea, the Belgium-based operator announced on Wednesday.
The commitment was stated in a joint declaration signed by the TSOs that was sent to Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Energy and North Sea ministers Tinne Van der Straeten and Vincent Van Quickenborne.
A historic North Sea summit is scheduled for 24 April in Ostend. In that connection, signatory TSOs Energinet, Fluxys, Gascade, Gas Networks Ireland, Gassco, Gasunie, GRTGaz, National Gas Transmission and OGE are urging all stakeholders to cooperate “so that no opportunity is missed.”
“The North Sea has the potential to provide Europe with more affordable, secure and sustainable energy,” Fluxys argues.
“The deployment of renewable energy in the North Sea […] will be key to achieving the goal of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as set out in the European Climate Act and the UK’s ‘Net Zero’ strategy,” it stresses.
In their statement, the TSOs commit to developing the renewable energy potential of the North Sea and regulating it.
In return, the infrastructure managers ask policymakers, among other things, to accelerate licensing processes and maritime space planning, and to set up the legal and regulatory framework needed for the optimal deployment of hydrogen and CO2 transport infrastructure.
“A balanced system of green electricity and green hydrogen from North Sea wind turbines is the way forward to reduce the overall costs of the system while enhancing its robustness,” commented Fluxys CEO Pascal De Buck. “Let’s join forces to make sure that no breath of wind is wasted in the North Sea.”
