Europe needs to step up grid investments, WindEurope says

Europe should increase grid investments from EUR 40 billion (USD 43bn) to up to EUR 80 billion a year if it wants to deliver its energy security and climate goals, according to WindEurope.

The organisation today called for accelerating the build-out of transmission and distribution networks, reinforcing existing grids and boosting their flexibility. It released a one-pager with its recommendations ahead of the EU High-Level Electricity Grid Forum on Thursday.

WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson said grids are lagging behind the expansion of renewables, electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps.

The industry group urged governments to simplify the grid connection process and publish more data on congestion and available grid capacity. It noted that more than 100 GW of renewables projects are waiting for grid connection in Spain and more than 50 GW in Romania.

WindEurope further calls for expanding Europe’s manufacturing capacities for grid equipment, such as substations, transformers, cables, transformers and switchgears, through dedicated government funding and faster permitting of new factories.

In addition, it recommends long-term framework agreements between grid operators and suppliers, incentives to standardise equipment design and a focus on cybersecurity and physical security for grid infrastructure.

The organisation also highlighted a need for more joined-up thinking and political leadership in long-term grid planning to respond to the net zero needs.

The one-pager can be viewed on WindEurope's website.

(EUR 1 = USD 1.080)

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