Grids, the missing link – An EU Action Plan for Grids

Author (Corporate)
Series Details COM (2023) 757
Publication Date 28/11/2023
Content Type , ,

Summary:

Communication adopted by the European Commission on 28 November 2023, setting out an action plan aimed at ensuring that electricity grids operate more efficiently and are rolled out further and faster.

Further information:

Interconnected and stable electricity grids are seen as the backbone of a well-functioning energy market. Despite progress in implementing the necessary energy infrastructure, the European Union's (EU) power networks face new and significant challenges. They are required to withstand growing demand linked to clean mobility, heating and cooling, electrification of industry and the kickstart of low-carbon hydrogen production. They also need to integrate a large share of variable renewable power. Grids must adapt to a more decentralised, digitalised and flexible electricity system with millions of rooftop solar panels and local energy communities sharing resources.

This Communication presents an Action Plan seeking to make the EU's electricity grids stronger, more interconnected, more digitalised and cyber-resilient. The measures listed focus on implementation of the agreed legal framework and should be delivered swiftly to make a difference in time for the objectives set out for 2030. Seven horizontal challenges for accelerating the pace of grid development were identified:

  • accelerating implementation of existing PCIs and developing new projects;
  • enhancing long-term network planning;
  • introducing a supportive, future-proof regulatory framework;
  • making better use of existing grids and smartening them;
  • improving access to financing;
  • ensuring faster and leaner permitting processes;
  • strengthening supply chains.

The Communication was adopted by the European Commission on 28 November 2023, following its announcement in the European Wind Power Action Plan earlier in the year. It also followed the first High-Level Electricity Grids Forum.

Source Link Link to Main Source https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=COM:2023:757:FIN
Related Links
Official
European Commission: Press Release, 28/11/2023: Commission sets out actions to accelerate the roll-out of electricity grids https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6044
European Commission: Questions and Answers on the EU Action Plan for Grids (28 November 2023) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_6045

News
EurActiv, 17/01/2023: Growing demand puts EU electricity grid under pressure https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/growing-demand-puts-eu-electricity-grid-under-pressure/
EurActiv, 21/09/2023: Europe’s power industry warns ageing grids put green goals at risk https://www.euractiv.com/section/electricity/news/europes-power-industry-warns-ageing-grids-put-green-goals-at-risk/
Reuters, 16/11/2023: Europe's grids become green power growth bottleneck, industry warns https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/europes-grids-become-green-power-growth-bottleneck-industry-warns-2023-11-16/
Bloomberg, 23/11/2023: EU to Put Forward Plan for €584 Billion Overhaul of Power Grids https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-23/eu-to-put-forward-plan-for-584-billion-overhaul-of-power-grids
Politico, 23/11/2023: Europe’s grid is under a cyberattack deluge, industry warns https://www.politico.eu/article/energy-power-europe-grid-is-under-a-cyberattack-deluge-industry-warns/
Reuters, 24/11/2023: EU plans boost for power grid investment https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/eu-plans-boost-power-grid-investment-2023-11-24/
EurActiv, 28/11/2023: Brussels unveils ‘action plan’ to accelerate electricity grid roll-out https://www.euractiv.com/section/electricity/news/brussels-unveils-action-plan-to-accelerate-electricity-grid-roll-out/

Commentary and Analysis
The Economist, 27/10/2022: Europe’s gas and electrical grids need expanding https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/10/27/europes-gas-and-electrical-grids-need-expanding
Transport & Environment, 27/11/2023: Call for an action plan for future proofed grids https://www.transportenvironment.org/discover/call-for-an-action-plan-for-future-proofed-grids/
Wind Europe: Press Release, 28/11/2023: EU Grid Action Plan will help renewables, but urgent action needed on excessive connection queues https://windeurope.org/newsroom/press-releases/eu-grid-action-plan-will-help-renewables-but-urgent-action-needed-on-excessive-connection-queues/
ENTSOE-E: News, 28/11/2023: ENTSO-E welcomes the EU Action Plan for Grids https://www.entsoe.eu/news/2023/11/28/entso-e-welcomes-the-eu-action-plan-for-grids/

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