Cross-border energy infrastructure planning

Background

In recent months and years, cross-border energy flows have proven their worth in securing supplies across the Union for both natural gas and electricity. Existing infrastructures have proven their resilience to transport energy flows to where they are needed most and to mitigate imbalances.

In addition, existing and new infrastructures will be necessary to make the transition to a sustainable energy system in a cost-efficient manner, both for the development, integration and transportation of renewable electricity and the import and transport of renewable hydrogen. Integrated offshore grids will be essential to fully develop the potential for offshore renewable energy generation, while onshore interconnections between Member States will allow for this renewable energy to be transported further inland.

This exploratory opinion, requested by the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU, aims at providing significant contributions to the forthcoming discussions which are likely to be held by the next Commission. These discussions will probably focus on the future governance of the Energy Union, including potential targets for 2040, and will address achieving Climate Law targets. Nevertheless, every possible strategy will need to take into account the challenges presented by the various social and economic dimensions.

Key points

The EESC points out that:

• The energy infrastructure, like infrastructure for transporting and distributing energy, cannot be treated like any other commodity and must instead be classified as a service of general interest for the economy and the population.
• Particular attention should be paid to defining grid development, including cross-borders interconnections, both onshore and offshore, as critical infrastructure of an overriding public interest, including climate protection as a regulatory objective and, more generally, synchronising the planning of renewable energies and the electricity grid more effectively.
• Recognising the rising demand, it is particular important that substantial investments are made in electricity networks to stimulate the European economy and create high-quality (green) jobs.

Additional information

Section: Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society (TEN)

Opinion number: TEN/823

Opinion type: Exploratory presidency

Rapporteur: Thomas Kattnig (Group II - Austria)

Date of adoption by section: 19 December 2023

Result of the vote: 67 in favour, 0 against, 3 abstentions

Date of adoption in plenary: 17-18 January 2024

Result of the vote: 190 in favour, 1 against, 4 abstentions

Contact

Marco Pezzani

Press Officer

Tel.: +32 2 546 9793 | Mob: +32 470 881 903

E-mail: marco.pezzani@eesc.europa.eu

Giorgia Bordignon

Administrator

Tel.: +32 546 8535

E-mail: giorgiaandrea.bordignon@eesc.europa.eu