ENTSO‑E and UK Grid Operators Agree New Framework for Post‑Brexit Electricity Cooperation

ENTSO‑E and UK Grid Operators Agree New Framework for Post‑Brexit Electricity Cooperation

(IN BRIEF) ENTSO‑E and the UK’s transmission system operators have signed Working Arrangements to cement technical cooperation after Brexit. The framework addresses grid security, joint offshore energy planning (including the North Sea Grid), and maximising electricity interconnector efficiency. While UK TSOs remain outside ENTSO‑E membership, the agreement—backed by ENTSO‑E President Zbynek Boldis and NESO CEO Fintan Slye—creates a formal channel for ongoing collaboration. NESO will represent all British TSOs in coordination with ENTSO‑E, reinforcing commitments made at the May 2025 UK‑EU Summit.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 17-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — ENTSO‑E has formalised new Working Arrangements (WAs) with the United Kingdom’s transmission system owners and operators, marking a pivotal advancement in post‑Brexit collaboration on electricity grid management. These agreements establish a structured dialogue covering critical shared concerns: safeguarding grid security, coordinating offshore energy development—such as North Sea Grid initiatives—and optimising the use of interconnectors linking the UK with continental Europe.

Although Brexit precludes UK TSOs from ENTSO‑E membership, the WAs create a practical, future‑oriented mechanism to sustain robust operational links and technical exchanges. Zbynek Boldis, President of ENTSO‑E, commented, “These Working Arrangements affirm our mutual dedication to a resilient, pan‑European electricity network. By partnering closely on offshore planning, system reliability, and interconnector performance, we can tackle the challenges of the energy transition together. We highly value our constructive relationship with UK TSOs and anticipate expanding this cooperation.”

Fintan Slye, CEO of the Network and System Operator (NESO), representing Great Britain’s transmission owners, added, “We welcome these arrangements as a testament to the importance of cross‑border energy collaboration. Engaging with ENTSO‑E ensures we strengthen energy security and accelerate clean power deployment. We look forward to conveying UK grid operators’ perspectives at upcoming coordination forums.”

Under the pact, NESO will serve as the UK’s single point of contact for coordination meetings with ENTSO‑E, complementing the commitments made by both governments at the May 2025 UK‑EU Summit.

About ENTSO-E

ENTSO-E, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, is the association for the cooperation of the European transmission system operators (TSOs).
The 40 member TSOs, representing 36 countries, are responsible for the secure and coordinated operation of Europe’s electricity system, the largest interconnected electrical grid in the world. In addition to its core, historical role in technical cooperation, ENTSO-E is also the common voice of TSOs.

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email: media@entsoe.eu

SOURCE: ENTSO-E