A net zero emission EU in 2050 asks for a fundamental change in the European energy system design that needs to be borne by all actors. Therefore, RGI, ABB and the Dutch Ministry for Infrastructure and Water Management joined forces to organise an event in the EU pavilion at COP26 bringing together insights from from research, practice, national and European governance to share lessons on how to realise a net zero carbon grid.
The session presented findings on how the European energy system needs to be designed to reach full decarbonisation, largely based on renewables, namely:
- How to optimise infrastructure needs to reach the decarbonisation target while ensuring security of supply;
- The role the demand-side holds to reach net-zero;
- How batteries can increase flexibility and reliability in the system.
The high-level panel provided a differentiated and comprehensive picture on the issues that need to be tackled along the way:
Moderator:
Christoph Bals | Policy Director, Germanwatch
Panelists:
- Antonella Battaglini | CEO, RGI
- Vincenzo Conforti | Head of Government Relations & Public Affairs for the EU, ABB
- Roald Lapperre | DG Environment & International Affairs, NL Ministry of Infrastructure
- Catharina Sikow-Magny | Director Green Transition & Energy System Integration, DG ENER
The whole event can be watched on YouTube here, on the European Commission EU Climate Action's channel.
For more information or in case of questions, please get in touch with stephanie@renewables-grid.eu.
