30 August 2017: Collaboration among neighboring countries is key to advance renewable energy development as countries in many regions must integrate their electrical grids and coordinate renewable energy expansion to keep electricity supplies stable and efficient. Countries in Northern Europe and in North East Asia are taking different approaches towards enhancing cooperation.

EU North Seas Energy Forum Releases Baseline Study

To improve cooperation in offshore wind energy development in the North Sea, the EU established the North Seas Energy Forum in 2016. The Group aims to promote cost-effective deployment of renewable energy, especially offshore wind energy, while improving the interconnections between countries’ electricity grids in the region. The Forum has now released a baseline study that explores the potential of further offshore wind energy development considering various scenarios of combining wind farms, energy storage and grid development in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK. The study also assesses potential impacts on the marine environment and how they can be minimized. Among other findings, the publication recommends strengthening high-level planning and coordination in the development of further offshore wind energy, and standardizing and systematically storing all data related to such projects. [EU Commission Press Release][Environmental Baseline Study for the Development of Renewable Energy Sources, Energy Storage and a Meshed Electricity Grid in the North and Irish Seas][Report Abstract]

North East Asian Countries collaborate on energy efficiency and grid integration

Pursuing similar objectives including reducing energy cost, and increasing energy efficiency and grid stability, the group of North-East Asian countries has agreed to establish a regional mechanism for energy integration. The North-East Asia Regional Power Interconnection and Cooperation Forum (NEA-RPIC) will meet annually to facilitate information sharing and promote coordination among stakeholders. The initiative was launched during a conference on North-East Asia Regional Power Interconnection, organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and partners. [UNESCAP Press Release]