Energy System Integration Strategy: leading to a more efficient and interconnected energy sector

Today, the European Commission published the EU Strategy on Energy System Integration. The strategy will play an essential role in reaching higher 2030 targets and climate neutrality by 2050.

The European Commission has reaffirmed the role of direct electrification and energy efficiency as the leading drivers of the decarbonised European economy, and set out a concrete plan for 2021 and beyond.

Upon the release of the strategy, Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric, said:

 

“The strategy spells out direct electrification as a key principle to reach carbon neutrality. Creating synergies between siloed structures of the energy system is essential for building a more efficient, flexible and decarbonised system.”

Moreover, strategy on was complemented by the Communication "A hydrogen economy for a climate-neutral Europe" and the launch of the Clean Hydrogen Alliance.

Referring to this Communication, Kristian Ruby added:

 

“While electricity is by far the most efficient decarbonisation vector, hydrogen would play an important complementary role in the decarbonisation of energy intensive sectors. The strategy to establish a clean hydrogen value chain presented by the Commission is comprehensive. During the implementation, it remains critical to ensure that due attention is given to direct electrification measures, as they will be the most efficient and account for the larger CO2 abatement effects in the short and medium term.”

Eurelectric welcomes the objectives and actions outlined in the Energy System Integration strategy. As part of Eurelectric recommendations for a Smart Sector Integration and our response paper to the European Commission questions, the electricity industry supports the alignment of the strategy with ambitious decarbonisation goals for 2030 and 2050 and the recognition of carbon-free electrification and energy efficiency as main drivers.