Green Forum • 31 May, 2024 at 10:00 AM
The European Council has approved a plan to create a more connected and resilient electricity network across Europe.
This initiative aims to bolster energy security and accelerate the EU's transition to clean energy.
With the share of renewable energy generation doubling since 2004, the EU grid needs an upgrade to handle this clean power surge. The plan, championed by the Belgian Energy Minister, Tinne Van der Straeten, emphasizes the need for a "European Supergrid" to:
Integrate more renewable energy sources
Support electrification (e.g., electric vehicles)
Stabilize energy prices
Enhance energy security
Key goals of the plan include:
A fully integrated and interconnected European power system: Long-term, coordinated planning across Europe will address grid congestion challenges. This plan will combine top-down European coordination with regional collaboration, considering the needs of less-connected areas.
Improved governance for grid development: The European Commission will propose a strengthened framework to ensure grid planning aligns with EU climate and energy goals. This will increase transparency and traceability throughout the process.
Enhanced security and resilience: The EU will develop a coordinated response to new energy security threats, including cyberattacks. The plan calls for improved risk preparedness and infrastructure resilience, with a focus on hybrid threats and critical infrastructure protection.
Bridging the investment gap: Recognizing the significant investment required to modernize the electricity grid, the plan calls for the Commission to assess investment needs and explore ways to increase funding. The European Investment Bank will also play a role in supporting grid expansion and upgrades.
Faster grid development and nature-friendly design: The plan aims to streamline grid permitting processes while ensuring public involvement. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to standardize electricity infrastructure to minimize supply chain disruptions and ensure component availability. This may involve exploring regional or EU-wide procurement initiatives and potentially adapting EU public procurement rules.
In conclusion, the EU is taking a significant step towards a more modern, interconnected, and secure electricity grid, paving the way for a cleaner and more secure energy future.