Brussels, 06 June 2016 – Friends of the Supergrid expresses its support for increased regional cooperation in the North Sea as expressed in the political declaration, signed by the Energy Ministers of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway and the European Commission.

Friends of the Supergrid has been advocating for a long time on the need to increase regional cooperation as an essential element to speed up the cost-effective interconnection of different countries and of offshore windfarms to the mainland, both crucial elements in achieving decarbonisation targets. This political declaration demonstrates that such regional cooperation is achievable through the establishment of a new working programme and governance structure.

Increased coordination and cooperation on grid planning and permitting processes at regional level are crucial aspects of the declaration that will significantly accelerate the implementation of projects.

Friends of the Supergrid intends to actively contribute to the successful implementation of the declaration by providing input to the different governance groups. We also invite other regions in Europe to take the mutual effort of the North Seas countries as an example for further cooperation on large scale power integration.

Press contact:

Marta Navarrete

mnavarrete@supergrid.brussels

+32 2 640 57 17

Friends of the Supergrid represents the key sectors active in the electricity grid industry, i.e. global multi-industrial companies with a combined turnover of €200 billion representing close to 1 million jobs. The main purpose of SUPERGRID is to support the creation of an integrated European electricity market supported by a pan-European offshore and onshore electricity network, the Supergrid, which will significantly foster Europe’s energy independence.