The EU and Australia have today underlined the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. On the occasion of her visit to Australia, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson along with Australian Minister for Energy and Climate Change Chris Bowen and Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeline King have issued a joint press statement reaffirming their 'unwavering commitment' to implementing the Paris agreement and accelerating the global clean energy transformation, not least through cooperation in international fora.
Commissioner Kadri Simson said
'Europe and Australia are strategic partners, and we have a long history together. We have common values and concerns, notably on environment, climate change, just transition and energy security, and we also have a common interest for cooperation. In light of the current geopolitical situation, we should deepen this cooperation bilaterally. Our joint statement shows the areas where we can and want to work together – from renewables and energy efficiency to hydrogen and critical raw materials and more. The opportunities are there.'
The joint statement highlights commitments to decarbonise electricity systems, underscoring the pivotal role of offshore wind and solar, as well as the importance of improving energy efficiency. The collaboration extends to renewable hydrogen and its derivatives, recognising their potential in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors and their intention to cooperate in fostering rules-based, transparent, and undistorted global markets.
As both the EU and Australia are committed to globally diversified, transparent, and de-risked critical minerals markets, the statement looks forward to the establishment of a bilateral strategic partnership as one strand of cooperation on critical minerals. The statement anticipates continued cooperation on energy security, including through the International Energy Agency (IEA) Early Warning Mechanism on the stability of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) markets, and methane emissions abatement. There is also a reference to the ongoing negotiations towards a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), where both sides take note of the decisive boost to the clean energy transition, as well as trade and investments in energy and resources that its finalisation would provide.
Commissioner Simson met with Minister Bowen today (4 April) in Sydney, and will meet with Minister King in Canberra on Monday (8 April).
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Details
- Publication date
- 4 April 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Energy