2nd European Grid Conference Beyond Public Opposition

The European Grid Declaration on Electricity Network Expansion and Nature Conservation, publicly signed by over 25 CEOs and high-level representatives of European TSOs and NGOs and handed over to Commissioner Oettinger at the first European Grid Conference, sends a strong signal: The unlocking of Europe’s full potential for renewable energy via the modernisation and expansion of its power grids should go hand in hand with nature conservation efforts.

At this year’s Conference, the RGI launched the European Grid Report – Lessons Learned across Europe. The report of over 80 practical experiences explores the current state of art in harmonizing grid expansion with environmental protection principles and improving public participation in planning procedures. Selected case studies, the extended European Grid Declaration, specifying transparency and public participation aspects, as well as the SEFEP’s implementation monitoring mechanism were presented and discussed at the event.