Today, the European Commission published its European Grids Package, presented as an upgrade of the EU’s energy infrastructure to lower bills and boost Europe’s energy independence. The package promises a more European approach to grid planning – from new “energy highways” and faster permitting to better cross-border coordination and smarter use of existing networks. But for this ambition to translate into reality, this needs to be backed by clear and concrete decisions that actually bring new – and smarter – grid capacity online. 

• New EU-level governance, including a stronger role for the Commission and JRC, creates an opportunity to improve infrastructure planning, however the data quality and implementation will be key. 

• Adding a new sub-category for non-wire solutions is a beneficial step to increase efficiency of grid utilisation and increase cross-border transmission capacity. 

• The new EU guidance on grid connections makes it clear that ‘first-come, first-served’ is not mandatory – regulators and operators can, and should, prioritise ready, grid-friendly projects that support Europe’s climate and energy goals.  

Context: 

This is the EU’s plan for fixing the electricity grids that decide whether Europe can decarbonise or not. Slow planning, grid queues, under-investment and lack of data – are currently holding Europe’s clean transition and industrial strategy back, and therefore this package needs to turn into action.