Europe needs to modernize its aging electricity grid and double distribution network investments to €67 billion this year, the secretary general of Eurelectric told Anadolu.
Kristian Ruby stated that annual investments in distribution grids currently average €34 billion but need to rise to €67 billion, while also emphasizing the need for significant reinforcement of interconnections.
Ruby noted that many European grids are over 40 years old and stressed the need to modernize outdated infrastructure to ensure a resilient 21st-century electricity system.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency, supply chain constraints come at a critical time, as more than 1,600 gigawatts of solar and wind projects in advanced development await grid connections.
Global investment in power transmission grew 10% in 2023, reaching $140 billion, but the agency reports that the figure must exceed $200 billion annually by the mid-2030s to meet rising electricity demand.
- Revisiting energy security
Brussels-based Eurelectric, representing the European energy sector and over 3,500 organizations, published its "Redefining Energy Security in the Age of Electricity" report last month.
The report calls for a new strategy prioritizing electrification and an integrated approach to energy security.
"We are revisiting energy security because of major changes in the geopolitical landscape," Ruby said.
He stated that Europe, having long benefited from cheap imported energy and external security, must now "revamp our energy policies and get ready to compete in a more unforgiving world."
"We need to rethink energy security and focus on not being too dependent on anyone," he added.
He emphasized the need to reduce fossil fuel imports and "significantly ramp up" clean electricity production from renewables and nuclear sources within Europe.
Ruby stressed the need for a new investment approach, continuing the rollout of renewables while ensuring system stability for powering cars, heating systems, and industries.
He said that electricity must be the "main vector" of future energy supply, requiring measures to ensure stability and resilience.
- Europe should 'plan for the unexpected'
Ruby noted that Europe's 2014 energy security strategy is outdated. "We know more about what we can do, and what we need to do in relation to climate change, and therefore it is time to revise that strategy and put electricity at the heart of it," he explained.
Ruby highlighted targeted military attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine, sabotage in the Baltic Sea, rising cyberattacks, industrial espionage, and the accelerating impacts of climate change, saying a revised strategy is needed to "plan for the unexpected."
"We need to avoid single points of failure and make sure that the system is really ready for those significant challenges that we are facing now every year, every week, every day," he said.
Ruby emphasized investing in resilience, including robust equipment, enhanced security measures, and the economic value of secure supply.
He called for increased efficiency, well-functioning European markets, and enhanced situational awareness, including simulations and collaboration with military and police.
He said Europe needs better interconnected systems and renewed low-voltage infrastructure to ensure even pricing.
- Europe-Türkiye energy cooperation 'mutually benefitial and strengthens supply'
Ruby said that green electricity corridor projects between Türkiye and Europe are under consideration.
Türkiye also faces challenges in upgrading its electricity network to accommodate the growing share of intermittent renewable energy.
The country's 2024-2030 energy efficiency action plan includes a target to invest about €10 billion in the electricity grid by 2030.
Ruby cited opportunities for cooperation in electrification and renewable energy, noting Türkiye's potential for wind and solar power as well as ongoing nuclear projects.
"Energy cooperation that mutually benefits and strengthens supply in both regions is of interest," he added.
In 2025, Türkiye's electricity transmission lines totaled 75,754 kilometers, with 801 high-voltage substations and 15 interconnection lines with neighboring countries, including Bulgaria and Greece, which connect to the EU market.
"There are big European companies already operating in the power sector of Türkiye. So that would be something to consider going forward and to work on," he said.
Türkiye has observer membership of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) until 2026.
Ruby noted that the Turkish Electricity Industry Association (TESAB) is a member of Eurelectric and stated that Türkiye could potentially host the Power Summit in 2026.
By Handan Kazanci
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
