Joint statement on the key role of distribution grids for a competitive, green and resilient Europe

Collective call for a greater focus on distribution grids in the next EU agenda for 2024-2029

A coalition of 16 European cross-sectoral (energy) associations calls for putting distribution grids at the centre of attention of the European agenda for the next five years.

In the statement, the coalition explains that Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are central players that contribute to driving the energy and digital transition on the ground for the benefit of all European citizens, enterprises, and industries. The distribution grids are incorporating an increasing amount of renewables and are becoming more customer-driven. DSOs are the key technical enablers of the 42.5% EU’s renewable energy target, as more than 70% of renewables will be connected to the distribution grid by 2030. This will see more than 30 million electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads and 60 million heat pump units installed by 2030.

In brief, the stakeholder coalition calls for the following:

• Create a new dedicated Grids Facility, possibly, under the EU Competitiveness Fund and align the EU financing instruments with the net-zero targets and DSOs’ needs to gear investments towards the required development of the distribution grid. 
• Introduce a grid mainstreaming approach to ensure DSOs’ needs are considered in every new and revised regulation, and that grid expansion does not lag behind.
• Ensure the Green Deal’s implementation on the ground by enabling anticipatory investments, ensuring faster-permitting procedures, supporting the supply chain by reducing technical complexities and enhancing visibility, and providing suitable and forward-looking regulatory frameworks to guarantee the right investment-friendly environment.
• Launch a European Grid Academy within the framework of the EU’s Net-Zero Academies to build and develop the right skills in the direct and indirect grid value chain. 

Read the joint statement here.