Amprion GmbH and European Energy Leaders Discuss Future of Power Grids
Hendrik Neumann emphasized that the energy transition, a pivotal goal for Europe's sustainable future, requires the construction of thousands of additional kilometers of power grids.
Last week, the European Commission and ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity) hosted the EU Electricity Grid Forum in Brussels, where experts and leaders gathered to deliberate on the future of European power grids. Among the participants were Hendrik Neumann, Chief Technology Officer of Amprion, along with Gerald Kaendler, Director Asset Management and Oliver John, Manager of International Regulation. The primary objective was to promote the advancement of European power grids through discussions with key stakeholders, including political decision-makers, grid operators, and representatives from the industry and energy sector.
Hendrik Neumann emphasized that the energy transition, a pivotal goal for Europe's sustainable future, requires the construction of thousands of additional kilometers of power grids. This ambitious endeavor comes with a substantial price tag, amounting to several hundred billion euros. To secure the necessary funding for such a massive infrastructure project, private investors must be brought on board. Neumann stressed that making grid expansion attractive to these investors necessitates the establishment of competitive regulatory returns, thereby encouraging private sector participation.
Furthermore, Neumann stated that in order to successfully transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy system, it is imperative that the necessary infrastructure components be readily accessible. This, he says, calls for meticulous long-term planning and a significant increase in manufacturing capacity on the part of industry manufacturers.
The discussions at the EU Electricity Grid Forum shed light on the monumental challenges and opportunities facing Europe's energy landscape. As the continent strives to achieve its energy transition goals and reduce carbon emissions, strategic planning and collaboration between public and private sectors will be essential in shaping the future of power grids.
Source: Amprion GmbH
