We use cookies

Please note that on our website we use cookies to enhance your experience, and for analytics purposes. To learn more about our cookies, please read our Privacy policy. By clicking “Accept Cookies” or by continuing to use our website you agree to our use of cookies.

Search

Briefing: Future proofing Central Eastern Europe’s grids

Briefing: Future proofing Central Eastern Europe’s grids
Click here for the full report
CAN Europe’s latest briefing explores the opportunities and challenges within the Central Eastern European region when it comes to development of energy infrastructure and the grid network within the region. However, countries within the Central Eastern European (CEE) region are grappling with numerous challenges that hinder the full realisation of renewable energy’s potential. Regulatory barriers often obstruct renewable energy projects, and technical bottlenecks impede the integration of renewable power. There is also still a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, including coal and fossil gas. This reliance is exacerbated by outdated and underinvested electricity infrastructure, posing significant hurdles to reach the required speed and scale of renewable energy growth and transition to a fully renewable, integrated, flexible, and secure energy system. Addressing these bottlenecks offers the countries from the CEE region (Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary) a chance to become frontrunners in the cost-optimal and climate-friendly adjustment of the electricity grids. Properly done and executed planning, would also take into account the energy poverty issues and enable consumers to reap all financial benefits of the transition to a system based on renewable electricity. There is also the opportunity for a decentralised energy system, promoting the growth of local energy initiatives run by people, for the people. Future-proof and forward-looking planning for renewables and network development, which should aim at reaching climate neutrality by 2040, is still missing. To fully harness the potential and benefits of renewable energy, addressing the critical bottlenecks in electricity infrastructure has become imperative. This will require an increase in ambition and political commitment ensuring substantial  investments to modernise and upgrade the existing grid infrastructure. Cross-border collaboration among neighbouring CEE countries is crucial for the transformation of the electricity grid infrastructure and integrating renewable energy sources effectively along with improving the regulatory and operational environment to ensure national regulatory bodies are equipped with the adequate resources, including budget and staff. The urgency of grid modernisation in Central Eastern Europe cannot be overstated. Swift intervention is needed to ensure that the region not only keeps pace with the EU’s transition towards renewable energy, but also emerges as a frontrunner in the cost-effective, people-centred and climate-friendly adjustment of the electricity grids. The benefits of lower energy bills, enhanced energy security, and a resilient, fully renewable energy system are within reach. It’s time for CEE countries to seize this opportunity and lead the way towards a safer, energy secure future. The Polish case clearly shows that funding the grid’s modernisation is not the main challenge – the strategy of spending billions of euros and coordinating the efforts of numerous actors is. To date, Poland has secured some 10% of the funding needed for the grids in various EU financial instruments, but spending it in time may be impossible.” Krzysztof Mrozek Krzysztof MrozekHead of EU funds for Climate at the Polish Green Network Across Central and Eastern Europe we’re seeing a clean power revolution, from Bulgaria doubling solar capacity in 2023 to Poland noticing historic declines of coal electricity generation. Maintaining the green energy momentum requires the tackling of grid bottlenecks, otherwise grid connection declines or curtailment events will compromise further growth of renewables. Wind and solar are a massive opportunity for Central and Eastern Europe, bringing jobs, foreign investments, lowering costs of living and increasing security, but to reap these benefits, governments need to ramp up grid investments, improve strategic planning and increase national and cross-border collaboration. Dr Paweł Czyżak Dr Paweł CzyżakRegional Lead – CEE, Ember Grids play a key role in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries’ pathways to decarbonization. Reaching national climate goals also means expanding and modernising the power grids – a prerequisite for integrating renewable sources. The CEE countries need, therefore, to review and adjust their regulatory frameworks to properly incentivise smart investments towards power grids, which will have a widespread effect on the economy at large. Alina Arsani Alina ArsaniHead of Energy Systems Programme, Energy Policy Group The Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries must swiftly transition towards achieving a net-zero power sector by 2035. Any alternative strategy risks compromising future competitiveness and overall sustainability. Urgently addressing grid modernization and enhancing energy system flexibility, complemented by an integrated approach to energy system development, stands as our most pressing imperative. And to achieved that we need the combined forces of policies and markets working together Genady Kondarev Genady KondarevSenior Associate for CEE, E3G Previous Next