Getting Europe’s transmission and distribution grid networks fit for net zero should be a key priority in the coming years, both at EU and national level, according to renewables and grid industry associations.
The continent needs to invest more in its electricity grids and must accelerate the build-out of transmission and distribution networks, reinforce existing grids and increase their flexibility, according to WindEurope.
On 7 September ENTSO-E will host the EU High-Level Electricity Grid Forum under the patronage of Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson.
The event will bring together transmission and distribution system operators (TSOs and DSOs) and stakeholders to discuss how Europe’s electricity grids can support the huge expansion of renewables.
WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson said: “Europe is not investing enough in its electricity grids.
“Renewables are expanding rapidly, EVs are growing and heat pump sales are taking off.
“But the grid is not expanding at the same pace. Europe needs to ramp up grid investments from €40bn to up to €80bn a year. Much of it will go into new lines and infrastructure.
“But Europe must also optimise its existing grids. The technology – and finance – is readily available.
“The EU should make electricity grids one of its key energy priorities.”
Meanwhile a new report from Eurelectric shows how the current electricity market design reform can put this approach into action by incentivising anticipatory investments, longer-term grid planning, digitalisation, flexibility and more advanced data exchange.
By 2030, Europe will see around 50 million to 60 million heat pumps, 65 million to 70 million electric vehicles (EVs) and over 600GW of additional renewable capacity (REPowerEU). Around 70% of that capacity will be directly connected to distribution grids.
“Getting our electricity networks fit for net zero should be a top priority in the coming years, both at EU and national level,” said Eurelectric secretary general Kristian Ruby.
“This requires a new mindset among regulators and legislators.
“One that anticipates Europe’s capacity needs to integrate more renewable projects, and one that accommodates unprecedented electrification of transport, buildings and industry to match the speed and scale needed for Europe’s energy transition.”
Anticipatory investments should be structurally incorporated in the market design reform to bridge the EU’s €7bn annual investment gap in electricity infrastructure says the industry body.
As shown in Eurelectric’s Decarbonisation Speedways study, the EU currently invests €23bn per year in grid infrastructure.
This is way too low the body said, stating investment in distribution grids should reach no less than €38bn per year until 2030 and up to €100bn per year until 2050, considering the anticipated additional demand to deliver on the EU decarbonisation’s agenda.
TSOs and DSOs are overwhelmed right now with grid connection requests WindEurope added.
It is calling for them to jointly design transparent processes which allow for the prioritisation and filtering of grid connection requests.
To accelerate the delivery of grid reinforcements, all options should be explored including enabling third parties to carry out the necessary work where feasible. A simplified permitting process must urgently be agreed upon by policymakers the body said.