The role of power grids in enabling the energy transition
The EU has committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% - compared to 1990 - by 2030, a key milestone in reaching climate neutrality in 2050. According to the Commission’s scenarios, this will require renewables to represent 81% of the total EU’s electricity mix. The necessary condition for a complete transition to renewables and their integration into the energy system is a strong and interconnected grid. As a matter of fact, the Commission envisages 1300 GW onshore and offshore wind by 2050 (up from 180 GW today). The on-going electrification processes in residential, transport and industrial applications require a considerable expansion of existing grids. Strong and resilient connections between renewable generation sources and consumption areas are required to manage weather-related variations in energy supply and the integration of different energy sources to balance such fluctuations. Next-generation grids must be designed to make power infrastructures stronger, more resilient and deliver maximum performance under any circumstances and in any configuration.
