WindEurope and RenewableUK have joined more than 40 companies and industry organisations in calling for a stronger energy partnership between the UK and the European Union (EU), aimed at reducing electricity costs, strengthening energy security and accelerating the development of clean power across Europe. In a joint letter ahead of the EU-UK summit in Brussels on 20 November, the organisations urge both sides to deepen cooperation on energy policy, electricity trading, offshore wind and clean energy supply chains.

One of the main priorities is the planned linkage of the UK and EU Emissions Trading Systems (ETS), an agreement expected to be announced at the summit. The signatories welcome this development and call for a clear implementation timetable, alongside swift exemptions for both sides from the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which applies a carbon price to imported goods. According to the organisations, linking the two carbon markets would create a larger and more integrated system, facilitate cleaner electricity trade and prevent unnecessary costs and barriers for the energy sector.

The letter also calls for progress in ongoing discussions on future electricity trading arrangements between the UK and the EU. The organisations advocate a pragmatic approach to make cross-border electricity trading more efficient and improve the use of existing interconnectors. This would allow both sides to make better use of clean electricity generated in the North Sea, reduce costs and strengthen the resilience of the energy system.

Offshore wind cooperation is another key area of the proposed partnership. WindEurope and RenewableUK welcome the ongoing collaboration through the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) agreement and urge both parties to deepen their involvement ahead of the next North Sea Summit in 2028. The organisations highlight the UK's position as a leading offshore wind market and its potential contribution to NSEC's shared ambitions, as well as to supply chain development and cost reductions.

The signatories also call for closer industrial cooperation, recognising the UK as a trusted partner in strengthening Europe's clean technology and electricity grid supply chains.

WindEurope CEO Tinne Van der Straeten said stronger cooperation between the UK and the EU would help reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets, improve energy security and lower electricity prices for households and businesses. She also called for the UK to become a full member of the North Seas Energy Cooperation.

RenewableUK CEO Tara Singh highlighted the potential benefits of linking the two emissions trading systems and making better use of interconnectors to facilitate electricity exchanges. She added that closer cooperation on North Sea clean energy projects could reduce costs and increase UK exports, building on a domestic wind industry supply chain comprising 2,000 companies and 55,000 workers.