19/05/2025 | Energy markets

Offshore Wind Farm With Cables In The Foreground Offshore Wind Farm With Cables In The Foreground

Closer alignment between UK and EU on clean energy could drive down cost of electricity for billpayers

19 May 2025 - RenewableUK press release


Commenting on the agreement between the UK and the European Union to enter into negotiations to link their Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS), so that they are aligned and their commitment to work together to create more jobs in the clean energy sector, RenewableUK’s Executive Director for Policy and Engagement Ana Musat said:


“This is potentially great news for billpayers in the UK and across the rest of Europe, as it could drive down the cost of electricity in the years ahead by stabilising prices and reducing trade friction - including trading in clean electricity generated in the North Sea via interconnectors between countries.


“Crucially, it could remove the need for the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism which is a tax on exports of electricity and goods from the UK and other countries into the EU.


“The UK and the EU share the same ambitions on decarbonisation to tackle climate change while reducing energy bills for consumers, so aligning our Emissions Trading Schemes would be a natural next step towards doing business more efficiently with each other.


“We also welcome the commitments to explore the UK’s participation in the EU’s electricity trading platforms to streamline our markets further, and to maximise co-operation on renewables to create more jobs.


“These measures are especially important at a time when global competition for investment is intense, as they would unlock further confidence in the UK’s market as one of the best destinations for private investment in new clean energy infrastructure”.


More information on the announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office is available here.


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Notes


For further information, contact


Robert Norris, Head of Communications
07969 229 913 | Robert.Norris@RenewableUK.com



  1. RenewableUK’s members are building our future energy system, powered by clean electricity. We bring them together to deliver that future faster; a future which is better for industry, billpayers, and the environment. We support over 500 member companies to ensure increasing amounts of renewable electricity are deployed across the UK and to access export markets all over the world. Our members are business leaders, technology innovators, and expert thinkers from right across industry.


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