With the new EU Energy Commissioner in place, energy think tank Ember believes it is high time for a series of bold measures. These target the key drivers for decarbonising the EU economy, essential to driving down energy prices and strengthening security through reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, thereby strengthening the EU’s geopolitical position on the global stage. The recommendations take into account existing policies and identify four key actions for the Energy Commissioner, in line with the political priorities for the next mandate .
'Future Grids' Taskforce
A special task force, reporting directly to the Energy Commissioner.
- Develop a clear roadmap for the implementation of all actions assigned to the Commission under the existing grid policy
- Coordinating actions between the relevant DGs
- Support and monitoring of the implementation of national network policy
- Enabling key infrastructure projects
- Providing progress updates at the Copenhagen Infrastructure Forum
Ember also recommends setting up a one-stop shop at EU level to improve access to finance for grid investments, and the development of a technical toolbox to support the digitalisation of distribution networks.
'Smart Electrification' Action Plan
Electrification will enable the EU to harness its own energy resources and reduce dependence on imported fuels, creating a self-sufficient economy. Ember's analysis shows that home-grown energy sources, with electrification and the support of clean flexibility , will be in can increasingly meet the EU's energy needs, reaching 85% in 2040, up from 41% in 2019. To achieve this, there is an urgent need for a clear electrification roadmap for the EU, says Ember.
An action plan for 'Smart Electrification' to be published within the first 100 days and developed in close coordination with the Clean Industrial Deal.
- Actions to remove unfair biases that hinder electrification and create favourable economic conditions to unlock its potential
- Measures to further encourage investment in batteries, innovative energy storage solutions and demand-side flexibility – these technologies should also be priorities in the Clean Industrial Deal
- An EU strategy and guidelines to unlock the untapped potential of demand-side flexibility in housing and industry
The EU as a global leader in open energy data and models
In the first 100 days, the Commissioner will kick off the transition to open energy data and system models.
- Establish a coordinated approach to asset registration across the EU
- Ensure that Eurostat and EU bodies maintaining data transparency platforms (such as ACER or ENTSO-E) collect, standardise and make publicly available additional, detailed energy data in a timely and more consistent manner, using open data standards
- Ensure that the Commission makes available energy and climate data from NECPs on a consistent and regular basis
- Developing a roadmap for EU institutions to move from proprietary energy system models to open source models
Joint Strategy for Agri-PV
An agro-PV strategy jointly developed by DG ENER and DG AGRI.
- Guidance for national governments to introduce agri-PV legislation or adapt existing legislation to unlock its full potential more effectively
- Guidelines for the inclusion of agro-PV in CAP priorities (agro-PV on marginal land, agro-PV investment subsidies, national targets for agro-PV photovoltaic capacity, support for R&D and pilot projects)
Source: EMBER | Ember is an energy think tank that aims to accelerate the transition to clean energy through data and policy.
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