EUSEW16: How to improve stakeholder dialogue and develop best practices on the common road towards cleaner and more affordable energy

Even though the European Union has decided on a set of long-term goals for the energy system, it is not clear yet how and with the help of which technology these goals will be achieved. However, planning and building new infrastructure takes years and requires long-term forecasting on how the future power system will look like. This session addressed questions, such as:

• What are the determinants of long-term grid planning?
• How would a more decentralised roll-out of renewables affect grid requirements?
• How would a bigger roll-out of storage affect grid requirements? What about energy efficiency?
• How can long-term grid planning address different possible scenarios?

Finalising the internal power market in Europe will only be possible if sufficient grid infrastructure is in place to physically transmit electricity beyond national borders. The TYNDP provides a bi-annual update on the actual grid needs to achieve this. This session focused on:

• How can the benefits of “European grids” be (better) explained to the public?

While there is a big consensus in society that some infrastructure will be needed to implement plans for a cleaner energy system, infrastructure projects on the ground often stir local public opposition. This session addressed questions, such as:

• What are the concerns and needs of different stakeholder groups?
• How can public opposition be addressed and minimised?
• How can these projects be planned in a way that includes different stakeholders’ perspectives?
• What are success factors of a stakeholder dialogue? Which pitfalls should be avoided?
• Which role do new technological solutions (e.g. underground cables) play?