In this initial reaction paper, E.DSO welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for a European Grids Package and examines its implications for Europe’s electricity distribution infrastructure.
The paper acknowledges the Package’s objective to place grid infrastructure at the centre of the EU agenda and highlights positive measures related to permitting procedures, grid connections and the continued recognition of smart electricity grids as a priority thematic area in the TEN-E Regulation.
At the same time, it underlines that, despite the acknowledged massive investment needs in distribution networks, the Package does not sufficiently address key topics such as financing, investment incentives, regulatory frameworks, supply chains, workforce needs or dedicated EU funding mechanisms for distribution networks.
The paper sets out concrete recommendations aimed at strengthening the proposal during the legislative process, notably on permitting, grid connections, anticipatory investments and the role of Smart Electricity Grids, to ensure an efficient, resilient and future-proof framework for Europe’s electricity distribution networks.
