[EA24] Developing fit-for-purpose grids for a net zero power future in Europe

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Date & Time

September 26, 2024; 15h00 - 16h00 CEST

Speakers

• Zsuzsanna Pató, Senior Advisor, Consultant (Regulatory Assistance Project)
• Nalan Buyuk, Scenario Building Project Manager (ENTSO-E)
• Giulio La Pera, TYNDP Project Manager (ENTSO-E)

Description

A growing lack of grid capacity is emerging as one of the key barriers in the energy transition. Power grids are the backbone of future energy systems, enabling the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy generation and supporting electrification through maximised flexibility. There are several approaches to developing fit-for-purpose grids that can deliver a net zero power future in Europe.

Watch this webinar to explore the system requirements from two perspectives:

• What are the long-term infrastructure needs and investment priorities to achieve a net zero European energy system?
• What regulatory framework is required to facilitate this transition?

First, Zsuzsanna Pató from the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) briefly analyses how different jurisdictions are addressing or planning to address grid congestion. While grid development has long lead times, potential users make quick investment decisions, creating a mismatch that requires close coordination. Solutions range from easy fixes to major regulatory changes. Zsuzsanna groups options by their goals: optimising existing grid capacity, allocating remaining capacities, or building new infrastructure. Regulators must determine the best regulatory mix for their jurisdiction.

Next, Nalan Buyuk and Giulio La Pera from ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity) present their updated Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP). This strategic planning document outlines the long-term infrastructure needs and investment priorities for the European electricity grid over the next decade, based on different scenarios leading to net zero. The TYNDP 2024 Scenarios Report aligns with the EU’s "energy efficiency first" principle, 2030 energy and climate targets, and 2050 climate neutrality objective. This report is a cornerstone for future electricity TYNDPs and offers crucial insights into the future of Europe’s energy system.

Recording

Q&A

Due to time constraints during the webinar, some questions were left unanswered. Below, the authors have provided written responses to those questions below.

Q: Flexible connection agreements are currently not allowed or regulated within the Belgian regulatory framework. However, considering the imminent congestion problems and the EU framework that allows such agreements when market-based initiatives are absent, could their implementation be beneficial?

(Zsuzsanna) They are useful even if there is a flexible market (like in the Netherlands). Some users can live with non-firm connections permanently. Grid users should have the choice.

Q: Did you come across an example of cable pooling that is allowed on lower voltage levels (LV, MV)? We noticed that in Poland and the Netherlands, cable pooling is limited to higher voltage levels. 

(Zsuzsanna) I am not aware of LV example, but that does not mean that there are none. Probably it is due to the transaction cost for smaller users that would not make it popular even if allowed.

Q: Are there any good principles to incentivize energy efficiency in the endpoints, making the entire grid smaller?

(Zsuzsanna) The EU principle for utilizing demand-side resources (such as Energy Efficiency and Demand Response) is known as Energy Efficiency First. Its aim is to ensure that the supply infrastructure (generation and grid) is scaled to the reduced energy demand and maximum flexibility.

Q: We are transitioning from an ecosystem heavily reliant on imported petrol for heating and transportation to one where self-sufficiency in electricity is the ideal paradigm. Is this feasible?

(Zsuzsanna) In Europe, we only import oil for transportation, not for heating. Electrification not only has inherent energy savings but also contributes to decarbonization when paired with renewable-based electricity.

Further reading

• Report: RIP first come, first served. Shifting gear to tackle power grid scarcity. Zsuzsanna Pató, RAP, May 13, 2024.
• TYNDP 2024 Draft Scenarios Report Version May 2024, ENTSO-E.
• Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP), ENTSO-E.

Downloads