Impact of Brexit on UK-Ireland Energy Ties Under Scrutiny

The impact of Brexit on UK-Ireland energy ties post-2019 was the subject of discussion at a seminar in London. The seminar was jointly hosted by the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and Energy UK, in association with SSE. The UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Exiting the EU Robin Walker MP was among the keynote speakers to address the seminar, entitled “What is the Future of the UK-Ireland Energy Relationship”.

The event revealed the deep energy ties across the Irish Sea and how the UK’s decision to leave the EU will affect the UK and Irish energy sectors. In particular, the seminar focused on the impact of Brexit on the UK’s future relationship with the EU’s Internal Energy Market, implications for Ireland, and how both the UK and Irish energy sectors can overcome the current uncertainty through high levels of collaboration. The seminar included two panel discussions looking at the current UK-Ireland energy relationship and the outlook for energy connectivity post-Brexit.

Panel one outlined the close cooperation currently in place in the electricity and gas markets, together with the key infrastructure that underpins that relationship. This was followed by an in-depth discussion on the challenges posed by Brexit to the UK and all-Ireland energy markets.

Speaking at the seminar, the Director-General of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce John McGrane said: “Today’s seminar shines a very important spotlight on the energy interdependence between the UK and Ireland. The Irish electricity market is particularly reliant on the UK for security of supply. These close ties are now under threat with Brexit placing significant uncertainty over future investments in our Single Energy Market. Only by business leaders working closely with policymakers can we ensure a bright future for the sector.”

Pictured above: Panel at “What is the Future of the UK-Ireland Energy Relationship” seminar.