Considering the crucial role of networks in integrating renewable energy at affordable prices and supporting electrification, a package on European networks was announced as part of the EU Competitiveness Compass and the Green Deal Industrial Plan.
The Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E) Regulation is the main legislative act establishing the legal framework for cross-border energy infrastructure. It was fully reviewed in 2020 and entered into force in 2022.
The main changes concerned the inclusion of hydrogen infrastructure within its scope, as well as a stronger emphasis on offshore grids, in order to facilitate the ambitions set out in the EU Strategy for Offshore Renewable Energy.
The TEN-E framework now also includes projects of mutual interest (PMIs) with third countries.
Despite significant progress in cross-border infrastructure projects since 2013, and taking into account the broader scope of the revised TEN-E framework, networks still face the following core challenges:
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a significant gap between network expansion needs and current development projects, which hampers the creation of a decarbonised, affordable, and secure energy system, both at transmission and distribution level;
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the implementation of renewable energy generation, storage, and infrastructure projects — including innovative solutions — has been far too slow (e.g. an average of 14 years for transmission network projects to meet supply and demand needs);
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and insufficient security of cross-border infrastructure.
The Action Plan for Affordable Energy underlines that an efficient network contributes to the energy transition by helping everyone benefit from affordable and competitive energy.
Furthermore, the Plan states that the package on European networks will include legislative proposals aimed at accelerating the permitting process for networks, storage, and renewable energy, including optimising environmental assessments and reducing licensing times.
The Commission is expected to adopt the package by the end of 2025.
Ensuring a well-integrated and optimised European energy network is crucial to accelerate a cost-effective transition to clean energy.
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