Resilient grids are at the heart of Europe’s energy future. Earlier this week, Brussels played host to a big event called “Resilient EU grids: ensuring energy security and competitiveness” organised by the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union. Industry leaders and policymakers gathered to address the dual challenge of fortifying Europe’s grids while maintaining affordability.
Key voices, including Polish Minister of Climate and Environment Paulina Hennig-Kloska, were in attendance and underlined the urgency of expanding grid capacity, integrating advanced technologies like batteries and demand-side flexibility, and rethinking existing infrastructure investments. This high-level dialogue not only spotlighted pressing technical and financial hurdles, but also charted a course toward a more integrated, resilient energy system that can withstand future uncertainties. As Europe navigates the complexities of its energy transition, the insights shared at this event set the stage for a robust policy debate and innovative market solutions.
Why Resilient Grids Matter
Europe’s energy landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, and at the heart of this evolution lies the challenge of developing resilient grids. The energy transition demands not only a surge in renewable energy integration but also a modernisation of our infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand. Amid increasing pressures from need for network investments, tightening regulatory frameworks and the risk of escalating tariffs, ensuring grid stability has become a top priority.
Highlights from the Event
The event delivered a wealth of insights through its dynamic sessions. In her keynote, Polish Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska set the tone by emphasising the need to expand the grid system alongside the energy transition. She highlighted that bolstering grid capacity through investments in batteries, demand-side flexibility, and modern technologies will be crucial for ensuring a secure and affordable energy supply.
Panel discussions further delved into the technical and financial challenges facing Europe’s energy infrastructure. In the first panel, experts from the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), ENTSO-E, and key national grid operators debated the future of transmission and distribution networks. Christian Pilgaard Zinglersen from ACER warned that network costs could potentially double by 2050, stressing the importance of optimising existing infrastructure alongside new investments. Other panellists, including Asta Sihvonen-Punkka and Grzegorz Onichimowski, explored the need for a balanced approach that addresses regulatory hurdles, incentivises private investments and incorporates locational tariff signals to reflect the true cost of network expansion.
The second panel shifted focus to local networks and the evolving role of Distribution System Operators (DSOs). Participants, including our very own Kristian Ruby , talked about the challenges of mobilising investments while maintaining operational efficiency. They discussed innovative approaches such as benchmarking DSOs to drive performance improvements and reducing regulatory micromanagement, which can foster a more flexible and responsive energy system. To learn more about this, be sure to check out our Grids for Speed study.
Expert Analysis and Strategic Takeaways
Experts repeatedly emphasised the need for anticipatory investments- funding grid expansion ahead of demand rather than reacting to congestion bottlenecks. However, this requires a supportive regulatory environment that provides long-term certainty for investors.
A key theme was the performance of DSOs and how benchmarking could serve as a tool for driving efficiency and investment. Renew Europe MEP Anna Stürgkh pointed to the success of benchmarking in other industries, arguing that it could incentivise DSOs to optimise and improve grid management.
Addressing Infrastructure Challenges
With energy demand rising and electrification accelerating, panellists also discussed the importance of integrating digital tools, AI, and smart grid technologies to help enhance system efficiency. However, they also noted that physical grid reinforcement—such as new transmission lines and storage solutions—remains essential for long-term resilience. Indeed, while innovation will be a crucial enabler, regulatory alignment and financial support are also equally critical to ensuring Europe’s grids can meet the challenges ahead.
Last year, we analysed the importance of the digitalisation of DSOs in our Wired for Tomorrow study in partnership with Accenture. Have a look at the key findings below.
Looking Ahead: Policy and Market Implications
The insights shared signal a juncture for EU energy policy. With increasing electrification, ensuring a resilient and future-proof grid is no longer optional—it is a necessity.
The European Commission and European Parliament are gearing up for decisive action on grid infrastructure. Upcoming initiatives, such as the anticipated grids package and the Parliament’s own-initiative report on grids (which we covered in a previous Friday Feature), will play a key role in shaping the future regulatory landscape. These measures aim to streamline investments, improve coordination between Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and DSOs, as well as create a more predictable framework for network development.
Conclusion
The Polish presidency’s “Resilient EU grids” event underscored the urgent need for action to modernise Europe’s electricity networks. As energy demand rises and the transition accelerates, policymakers and industry leaders face a dual challenge: expanding grid capacity while maintaining affordability and competitiveness.
Without a forward-looking strategy, Europe risks grid bottlenecks that could slow down its energy transition and impact economic growth.
The path forward is clear. As the Commission and Parliament advance new policy initiatives, stakeholder collaboration will be critical in shaping a resilient energy system. Now is the time for regulators, investors and grid operators to work together in ensuring that Europe’s electricity networks are fit for the future. The debate continues, and Eurelectric will continue to advocate for policies and frameworks that help drive Europe toward a secure, competitive and sustainable energy future.
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