BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Investments of more than 500 billion euros will be needed to modernize Europe’s energy network during this decade, to enable member countries to break free from dependence on Russian gas, according to a document from EU work.
The European Commission is expected to publish a plan next week to “digitalise” Europe’s energy system, as well as set out new emergency measures to bring soaring gas prices under control and help struggling energy companies this winter.
According to the document seen by Reuters, investments of 584 billion euros in the electricity network will be necessary until 2030 to support the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, renewable energies and heat pumps, and to move away from fossil fuels. .
Of this amount, approximately 400 billion euros would be devoted to the distribution network, and some 170 billion euros to digitalisation, in particular to the so-called “smart” networks which react more quickly to local fluctuations in supply and demand. , resulting in less energy wasted and less expensive periods.
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% and reaching a 45% share of renewable energy by 2030 can only happen if the energy system is ready for it,” the project says, referring to climate goals. of the EU.
To meet its green targets and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, the EU will have to put 30 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030 and install solar panels on all new homes by 2029, according to the document. .
The EU’s “action plan”, which does not include legal proposals, says the Union will propose new legislation next year to address cybersecurity risks on energy and gas networks.
(Reportage Kate Abnett, French version Augustin Turpin, edited by Kate Entringer)
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