Net Zero Investment Plan
Area 1 : Energy Infrastructures (14.5%)
Investment in TSO and DSO infrastructure, energy storage solutions, renewable energy sources, and grid modernization, including smart grid deployment for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications, is critical for facilitating electric transport adoption and enhancing energy resilience in Europe.
Investment Areas
Energy Priorities
TSO and DSO Expansion/Upgrade
Energy Storage Solutions
Development of Renewable Energy Sources
Modernising the Grid
Smart Grid Deployment/V2G
- TSO and DSO Expansion/Upgrade
Expanding and upgrading TSO and DSO infrastructure is imperative for meeting the growing demand for electricity and facilitating the widespread adoption of electric transport. These upgrades are essential for supporting charging infrastructure for both light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), as well as for enhancing maritime and inland port grids. Reinforcing connections to the national grid for shore-side electricity will boost energy resilience and promote cleaner transport options.
- Energy Storage Solutions
Energy storage solutions play a crucial role in relieving grid congestion and accelerating the integration of renewable energy sources. Investing in such technologies will enhance grid flexibility, mitigate the variability issues associated with renewables, and support the transition to a more-sustainable and resilient energy system. Prioritising energy storage solution development and deployment is essential for ensuring grid stability and promoting renewable energy deployment.
- Development of Renewable Energy Sources
The electrification of transport is impossible without decarbonised electricity. Expanding carbon-free energy sources is fundamental to achieving energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing the energy transition. Europe must prioritise the development of wind, solar and hydro – as well as other renewable and decarbonised energy sources – if it is to diversify the energy mix and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
- Modernising the Grid
Digitising and modernising the grid are essential for improving demand-supply management and streamlining the process for creating new grid connections. Through embracing digital technologies, Europe can enhance grid reliability, optimise energy distribution and support the integration of distributed energy resources. Modernising the grid will also provide the foundations for future advancements in smart grid deployment and enable realisation of benefits such as vehicle-o-grid (V2G) capabilities.
- Smart Grid Deployment/V2G
Supporting smart grid deployment, particularly for V2G applications, is essential for optimising grid operations and leveraging the potential of electric vehicles as grid assets. Smart charging technologies enable EVs to be part of demand response programmes, thus helping balance supply and demand on the grid. Investing in smart grid infrastructure will allow for the efficient use of resources, minimise grid constraints and facilitate the transition to a more flexible and resilient energy system without heavy investment in infrastructure.