Europe needs an energy security strategy based on clean electrification

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Cables in the Baltic repeatedly sabotaged, devastating storms leaving Ireland in the dark, war raging in Ukraine and price shocks caused by Russia’s fuel disruptions: Europe’s energy system is being challenged like never before. Meanwhile, Europe is decarbonising its economy with clean and renewable power set to meet 60% of final energy use by 2050. As energy needs evolve, so should Europe’s energy security strategy. A new study by Compass Lexecon, commissioned by Eurelectric, demonstrates the need for a new approach to energy security based on clean electrification to reduce fuel imports dependence, lower exposure to commodities price shocks and boost crises resilience.

The EU’s current energy security strategy was adopted in 2014, at a time when countries relied heavily on Russian imports and renewables made up only a small fraction of the overall mix. Today, this picture has fundamentally changed. Energy imports are expected to decrease from 60% of EU energy supply in 2022 to 13% by 2050, thanks to transport and heating electrification. Renewables are set to generate 69% of total power by 2030 and Russian oil and gas will be gradually phased out. These developments call for an integrated power-led security approach.

“The recent year has shown us that business-as-usual in Europe is no longer an option. With the threats faced by our sector, security of supply is becoming an urgent priority that policymakers and regulators must acknowledge”.

Leonhard Birnbaum – Eurelectric’s President and E.ON’s CEO

To secure Europe’s power supply, the study suggests strengthening three pillars:

1. Better planning: only by adding the pieces together one can see the full puzzle. Preparedness frameworks should encompass the entire value chain, include all energy vectors, infrastructure, span across longer timeframes and factor in external threats to better identify system needs.
2. Flexibility: massive flexible capacity will be needed to complement variable renewables – 175 GW should come from new storage technologies and demand side response by 2030. To incentivise investments, capacity mechanisms and flexibility support schemes will be crucial.
3. Functioning markets: effective price signals should reflect system needs and allow consumers to contribute to security of supply by adjusting their energy use.

“This is not going to be an easy endeavour. Let’s make sure Europe has the right vision for it.”

Leonhard Birnbaum – Eurelectric’s President and CEO at E.ON

The study will be formally unveiled at the Munich Security Conference.

Note to Editors:

Eurelectric represents the interests of the European electricity industry. We seek to contribute to the competitiveness of our industry, provide effective representation in public affairs and promote the role of electricity in the advancement of society.