Although large parts of the deal concern gas and oil exploration, renewable elements include plans to build one of the world’s longest sub-sea electricity interconnectors between the two countries to share renewable electricity, and a confirmation from The Forewind Consortium to develop the Dogger Bank offshore wind project.
The 9GW project off the coast of East Yorkshire could provide up to 10 per cent of the UK’s energy needs and is to be part funded by Norwegian companies Statoil and Statkraft.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The jobs and investments announced today highlight how vital the strong relationship between Norway and the United Kingdom is for our energy security and economic growth. We look forward to strengthening our partnership further, driving investment into a diverse, sustainable energy mix that delivers affordable long term supplies for consumers.”
Although the potential to import ‘clean electricity’ from Norway is broadly positive in terms of reduced global carbon emissions, there is no mention in the agreement of whether this will be at the expense of domestically generated renewable energy here in the UK.
The agreement’s pledge to share gas and oil extraction expertise and further exploit North Sea reserves could also be interpreted as an unwelcome diversion from the green agenda.
Are you an installer with an opinion? If so please email your thoughts to paul@andpublishing.co.uk.