The EU must adopt a 45% renewable energy target to ensure that the transition away from costly fossil fuels stays on track. Clean energy deployment in Europe hit a record high in 2022 and is projected to continue growing rapidly. However, investments in electricity grids are falling short of what is needed by 2030 and beyond. This risks impeding the pace of Europe’s energy transition. The European Union must make stronger commitments to renewable energy targets to boost grid investments. The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change has concluded that the current approach to grid infrastructure planning does not consider the transformational changes necessary to meet existing 2030 and 2050 climate objectives. The deployment of electricity grids is lagging, and the current approach to grid infrastructure planning could threaten nature and some social groups, causing further delays. A higher renewable target is crucial to adequately scale and plan the grid for where Europe’s energy sector is headed by 2030.
Higher Renewable Energy Targets are Crucial for the EU’s Power Grids
The EU must adopt a 45% renewable energy target to align its grid infrastructure with clean technology markets. This will ensure that the transition away from costly fossil fuels stays on track, according to energy analysts Elisabeth Cremona and executives Antonella Battaglini and Andrzej Ceglarz.
Clean energy deployment in Europe hit a record high in 2022 and is projected to continue growing rapidly. Research by Ember suggests that the rate of installation of key clean technologies will exceed expectations of the Fit-for-55 package. This means that the EU is set to reach a minimum of 45% renewable energy by 2030.
This is a reflection of the urgent need to shed fossil fuels since the energy crisis began and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the EU must have realistic infrastructure plans to keep pace with the clean technology growth.
Electricity grids are an essential part of this infrastructure. The significant growth of technologies such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and wind and solar power is excellent news for the energy transition and Europe’s resilience in the face of energy crises.
Renewable energy-backed electrification is the most efficient and cost-effective way to optimize the energy system, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and deliver crucial cuts to greenhouse gases. It will also aid in cutting off Russian gas for good.
Electricity grids will be the foundation of this economy-wide shift. They determine the amount of renewable electricity and clean energy solutions that can come online. Therefore, their deployment defines the success and pace of Europe’s energy transition.
The adoption of a higher renewable energy target is critical in ensuring that the EU’s transition to clean energy is not only feasible but successful. This move will align the grid infrastructure with clean technology markets, keeping pace with the rapid growth of clean technologies, and ensuring that Europe’s energy transition stays on track.
The Importance of Grid Planning for Europe’s Energy Transition
Grid planning is a critical component of the broader energy transition and must reflect the speed of technology deployment, support the delivery of targets, and accommodate innovation. However, despite their essential role, investments in electricity grids are falling short of what is needed by 2030 and beyond. This risks impeding the pace of Europe’s energy transition.
To address this shortfall, the European Union must make stronger commitments to renewable energy targets. A commitment to at least 45% renewables by 2030 would boost grid investments. Current grid investment plans are generally insufficient for both current and expected levels of clean power deployment and system demands.
The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change has concluded that the current approach to grid infrastructure planning does not consider the transformational changes necessary to meet existing 2030 and 2050 climate objectives. Therefore, a less ambitious EU target would magnify this issue.
To ensure that grid planning reflects the supply and demand trends seriously, it is imperative to anticipate where the EU’s energy system is and should be heading. With the rapid deployment of clean energy solutions poised for take-off, an EU commitment to 45% is the minimum required to update energy and climate ambitions in line with emerging trends.
Member States should mandate energy regulators to anticipate and facilitate grid investments based on more ambitious and faster renewables deployment. This will address the time lag between EU ambition setting and the transcription and implementation of EU targets into national laws.
Although strides have been made to address the long lead times for permitting and constructing power lines and accompanying infrastructure, additional, stronger action is needed. The imminent decision on the EU’s renewable energy targets presents a crucial opportunity.
The deployment of electricity grids is lagging, and the current approach to grid infrastructure planning could threaten nature and some social groups, causing further delays. To address these shortcomings, the EU must consider grid planning in parallel with the broader energy transition, accommodating innovation, including on the demand side.
Why the EU Needs to Increase its Renewable Energy Target
The EU Commission and Parliament already support increasing the renewable target from 40% to 45%. The final decision is expected this week from the Council. A higher renewable target is crucial to adequately scale and plan the grid for where Europe’s energy sector is headed by 2030. It would allow grid planners to better prepare for the necessary expansion and reinforcement, considering the time needed for delivery. Anything less risks derailing the momentum of the clean technology acceleration.
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