Broad coalition of electricity industry and environmental and
climate civil society, coordinated by the Renewables Grid
Initiative, agree that incoming European policymakers must
prioritise grids
BERLIN, June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The European
electricity grid, and the transformation and expansion of this
grid, are essential for the prosperity and growth of the European
economy. European energy industry representatives, grid operators,
and civil society actors have joined forces to raise a unified
voice for accelerated grid development in support of Europe's energy transition, energy security,
and economic growth.
CEOs and senior managers across Europe are joined in their message to
policymakers: "#GridsEmpower Europe. It is time for us to empower
grids." Electricity grids empower our lives, industries,
communities, and energy security. Accelerating grid development
across EU Member States is a collaborative effort involving
policymakers, national and local authorities, industry, local
communities, and civil society.
In response to the interests of Member States, the outgoing
European Commission reaffirmed the relevance of accelerated grid
deployment and related needs in the Action Plan for Grids. As new
leadership arrives in Brussels,
Europe must continue to
collaborate on an expanded grid, while in parallel maximising
flexibility in the system and utilising cross-sector partnerships
to develop standards for fair, cost-effective, and nature-friendly
energy transition.
"Europe has the technological
know-how needed to expand its grids. Our industry is investing
boldly into strengthening this expertise, increasing our
manufacturing capacity, and creating more lasting, green jobs.
European countries must collaborate to support grid upgrades and
expansion, using our home-grown cable manufacturing expertise to
connect Europe, boost our
industries, and drive our innovation."
– Dr. Volker Wendt,
Secretary-General of Europacable, the association of Europe's cable manufacturing industry.
"An enlarged European grid, which is connected across Member
States, delivers factories and business with the opportunity to
transit towards a fully decarbonised system. This is essential.
Without electricity grids, we will risk deindustrialisation across
Europe."
– Antonella Battaglini, CEO of
the Renewables Grid Initiative, a coalition of European civil
society and transmission system operators.
"A robust electricity grid is the cornerstone of Europe's renewable evolution. It is essential
for keeping Europe's energy supply
secure, reliable, and cost effective. Grid upgrades and expansion
will ensure security for every EU Member State and the EU."
– Jochen Kreusel, President of
T&D Europe, the association of Europe's grid technology providers.
About RGI
The Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) is a unique
collaboration of NGOs and TSOs (Transmission System Operators) from
across Europe engaging in an
'energy transition ecosystem-of-actors'. We promote fair,
transparent, sustainable grid development to enable the growth of
renewables to achieve full decarbonisation in line with the Paris
Agreement.
Media Inquiries
Stephanie Bätjer, Director – Communication at RGI
stephanie@renewables-grid.eu
+49 30 2332 11017.
Quotes from #GridsEmpower coalition members here.
Short video statements here.
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