The Need for Grids - Renewables Grid Initiative

22 June 2012

Hannover

With the adoption of its 20-20-20 targets and the objective of a largely decarbonised power sector by 2050, the European Union has set the stage for a significant increase in the use of renewable energies. A modernisation of the energy grid is a key requirement in this context and acknowledged not only by TSOs and many major NGOs but also by some citizens that are directly affected by grid expansion projects.

This does however not prevent widespread doubts with respect to the necessity of specific grid line projects. Often, NGOs and affected populations are unified in asking for proofs that confirm the need of individual grid expansion projects. Why, where and when are new lines needed, who benefits from them and who is losing?

How can long-term energy roadmaps and network development be designed in such a way that they become an unequivocal building block towards a decarbonised European energy sector? And how can affected populations be convinced about the necessity of concrete projects as part of the bigger picture of a decarbonised European energy sector? These are fundamental questions that need to be understood by all actors in order to truly support a common development of the future grid system.

The Renewables Grid Initiative has discussed these issues at the RGI Workshop on The Need for Grids. The workshop was hosted by TenneT TSO.