EDINBURGH, Scotland, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The Scottish government is leading in the effort to connect its offshore energy grid to the European electricity network, a minister said.
"Scotland is playing a key role in the development and deployment of an interconnected offshore grid in the North Sea, recently highlighted as a European Union priority project," Scottish Energy Minister Jim Mather said in a statement.
The government said exploiting its offshore grid will help usher in a low-carbon economy, describing its efforts as a "crucial piece" of energy infrastructure.
Ten regional governments signed memorandum of understanding to examine ways to overcome regulatory, legal, market, planning and technical issues that are in the way of creating a North Sea grid.
The MOU recognizes Scotland specifically for its work on offshore grids.
Mather noted that Edinburgh was committed to working with the British and European governments to resolve any "barriers" to offshore renewable energy projects.
"The Scottish government is already part of a working group on North Sea grid connections and today's memorandum notes the substantial co-operation and practical support of governments across Europe to build a North Sea grid," he said.
