The European Commission has released its comprehensive Grids Action Plan, outlining seven key challenges and proposing 14 actions to expedite the development of the EU grid over the coming years. The blueprint addresses the imperative need for a robust, digitalized, and flexible grid system to accommodate the anticipated 60% surge in electricity consumption in the EU by 2030.
As the energy landscape shifts towards a more decentralized structure, characterized by millions of rooftop solar panels, heat pumps, local energy communities, and the growing presence of electric vehicles and hydrogen production, the EU's electricity transmission and distribution grids face substantial demands. With 40% of the EU's distribution grids exceeding 40 years in age and cross-border transmission capacity set to double by 2030, an estimated €584 billion in investments becomes imperative.
The Grids Action Plan specifically targets the critical elements of the clean energy transition, aiming to overcome challenges in expanding, digitalizing, and optimizing EU electricity grids. The plan's actions emphasize swift implementation to align with the EU's 2030 objectives.
Key elements of the plan include accelerating the implementation of Projects of Common Interest, enhancing long-term grid planning to accommodate increased renewables and electrified demand, introducing regulatory incentives for anticipatory investments and cross-border cost sharing, promoting better usage of grids through transparency and improved network tariffs, improving access to finance for grid projects, expediting permitting processes, and enhancing grid supply chain security.
SolarPower Europe's Head of Regulatory Affairs, Naomi Chevillard, praised the Grids Action Plan, citing its focus on anticipatory investments, mapping available grid capacities, and digitalizing grid connection procedures as beneficial for efficient project development.
The RE-Source Platform, a European forum for corporate renewable energy sourcing, welcomed the Action Plan but emphasized the need for swift action to ensure prompt and reliable grid connections. The platform highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of corporate renewable energy offtakers, particularly through tools like renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Chris Rosslowe, Senior Energy & Climate Data Analyst at Ember, noted that as Europe advances its decarbonization efforts and electrifies its economy, a connected and flexible grid system will be crucial, underscoring the significance of collaborative efforts between member states and industry to meet future challenges.
