On Thursday, MEPs from the Industry, Research and Energy Committee proposed changes to the rules governing trans-European energy infrastructure – the network of pipelines, cables, and other facilities that carry energy across borders within the EU. It should strengthen energy security by improving cross-border connections and reducing bottlenecks and help ensure energy can flow more freely across the continent.
Smarter planning and less red tape
The update will allow smarter planning, giving the European Commission a stronger role in developing a common energy scenario and ensuring that infrastructure decisions are based on shared and consistent data. The legislation will also bring in new tools to systematically identify gaps in the electricity and hydrogen networks, so that investment is directed where it is needed.
The proposal streamlines the authorisation process for key projects, reducing administrative delays. Before approving new physical infrastructure, authorities must consider whether existing networks can be optimised or whether digital and demand-side solutions could address the identified need.
Helping to bring down energy prices
In their amendments, MEPs say grid infrastructure expansion should actively support market integration, in particular effects on price stability and resource adequacy, as a deeper energy market integration can help bring down prices for households and businesses.
MEPs also insist on the needs for the timely deployment and integration of net-zero technologies. They expand the list of infrastructure priorities to be taken into account, including equipment and installations designed to ensure the protection and resilience of critical network elements, monitoring, control and digitalisation equipment, and projects that contribute to climate adaptation of energy infrastructure.
Source: European Parliament
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