California Governor Gavin Newsom and UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in London on Monday, February 16, 2026, deepening cooperation on clean energy technologies and transatlantic investment, according to a statement released by the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The agreement builds on decades of collaboration between California and the UK on climate and clean energy initiatives, aiming to accelerate the global transition to clean power and address the climate crisis. The MoU will strengthen partnerships to boost investment, support job creation, and foster relationships between research institutions in both regions.
The partnership comes as the UK seeks to expand its clean energy sector and connect with international markets. “This agreement will connect the UK’s fast-growing clean energy sector with the Californian market, opening up new export opportunities,” the UK government stated.
Alongside the signing, UK clean-tech company Octopus Energy announced a nearly $1 billion investment in California-based companies and projects focused on clean technologies and nature-based solutions. Governor Newsom described California as “the best place in America to invest in a clean economy” and highlighted the investment as a demonstration of the state’s commitment to climate action. “California will continue showing the world how You can turn innovation and ambition into climate action,” Newsom said.
The agreement focuses on areas such as offshore wind energy, a sector that has drawn criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly derided the deal as “inappropriate” on Monday. The pact will facilitate better access for UK firms, including Octopus Energy, to the Californian market, and will underpin collaboration between British and Californian research institutions.
The MoU also reaffirms both California and the UK’s commitment to international efforts to combat climate change through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), despite the previous withdrawal of the United States from the treaty earlier in the year.
Energy Secretary Miliband emphasized the importance of strong international partnerships in strengthening opportunities for UK businesses and securing investment. The UK government’s clean energy mission, he stated, is focused on regaining control of energy supplies to reduce costs, create jobs, and address the climate crisis.
Governor Newsom’s visit to the UK included meetings with other leaders to advance partnerships in climate, business, and trade. The Governor is currently on a European tour aimed at reassuring allies following shifts in U.S. Climate policy.
