Luxembourg Assumes Presidency of Pentalateral Energy Forum

Luxembourg has taken over the presidency of the Pentalateral Energy Forum, the framework for regional cooperation in Central Western Europe for improved electricity market integration and security of supply.
 
The Energy Ministers of the Pentalateral Energy Forum met European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson in Brussels on Wednesday 1 December 2021. Penta is a regional cooperation in the field of energy which was created in 2005 and brings together Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland. The Pentalateral Energy Forum had a first success with the creation of a regional electricity market which today represents 50% of the European Union's (EU) electricity production. On Wednesday, the ministers agreed on new measures aimed at making the energy transition both reliable and resilient.

Belgium's Minister of Energy, Tinne Van der Straeten, took the initiative for this meeting. It has become a tradition for more than fifteen years that the Benelux presidency invites these countries from the heart of Europe to consult together just before the European Energy Council. Informally, they discuss energy issues that concern them. This year, this voluntary cooperation of ministers and expert groups focused on developing a framework for regional coordination of risk preparedness.

Within the framework of the European regulation on risk preparedness in the electricity sector, the ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which aims to define the rules in the Pentalateral region to prevent, prepare and manage electricity crises in a spirit of solidarity and transparency. More specifically, it involves the development of a communication protocol, the organisation of joint crisis exercises, reinforced monitoring of regional security of supply, as well as the pursuit of analysis and implementation of regional measures such as support in the supply of electrical equipment and coordinated information to citizens.

Referring to the MoU, Kadri Samson said: “It constitutes the cornerstone of the work on solidarity in the electricity sector in this region and provides the framework within which all the necessary technical work will now develop. It also sends a strong political signal about transforming engagement into action for the common good and the well-being of our citizens”.

The ministers discussed the possibilities of approximating and further improving national and European methods of assessing security of supply. Participants also looked at the progress countries are making in creating a clean hydrogen market and agreed to an agreement to work together on hydrogen certification. Finally, the meeting allowed to lay the groundwork for next year. Among other things, the ministers decided to prepare a common vision of a carbon-free energy system for the Penta region by 2050, under the patronage of the Energy Ministers and facilitated by the Benelux secretariat.

“Since its creation, Penta has proven to be a test bed for the successful integration of regional markets. Today, it is proving to be a pioneer also in terms of security of supply, with the common objective of a carbon neutral future”, commented Luxembourg's Minister of Energy, Claude Turmes, as as incoming president of Penta. "My priority will be to commit to making the Penta region the leading regional renewable energy hub in Europe".