Finland and Estonia Form Pact to Strengthen Underwater Energy Assets

(P&GJ) — Finland and Estonia have agreed to enhance cooperation in monitoring and repairing underwater energy infrastructure. Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Estonian Ministry of Climate signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Helsinki, on Sept. 27.

The agreement focuses on safeguarding key underwater gas and electricity connections between the two nations.

The MoU was signed by Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment, Kai Mykkänen, and Estonia’s Minister of Climate, Yoko Alender.

"Recent events have made it evident that critical infrastructure needs to be protected, and the energy market secured. The energy relations between Finland and Estonia are important for both. We have had excellent cooperation, and we will now intensify it with regard to underwater energy connections," said Mykkänen.

Alender echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the strategic importance of the underwater energy links: “The underwater energy systems connecting Estonia and Finland are critical for the energy security of both countries. The memorandum is a joint step toward a stable and secure energy future.”

The agreement follows heightened security concerns in the region due to Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has prompted Finland and Estonia to prioritize protecting critical infrastructure. Recent repairs to the Balticconnector gas pipeline and two submarine power cables (Estlink 1 and Estlink 2) in the Gulf of Finland underscore the importance of this cooperation.

The MoU is not legally binding but sets a framework for collaboration, including improving monitoring systems, enhancing information sharing, and boosting repair capacities. A joint steering group will lead future efforts.

Related News

Comments

{{ error }}
{{ comment.comment.Name }} • {{ comment.timeAgo }}
{{ comment.comment.Text }}