At a recent meeting in Brussels, European Union (EU) energy ministers agreed on coordinated measures to reduce gas dependence and move towards a more sustainable energy system. This strategic shift is part of the transition to renewable energy and highlights the importance of flexibility as an essential tool in this process.

The importance of flexibility

State Secretary Sven Giegold underlined the need for a European flexibility strategy to fully exploit the potential of renewables. This implies investments in cross-border electricity transmission infrastructure, modernisation of the distribution grid and the promotion of flexible electricity demand through dynamic tariffs and tariff regulations. 

Renewable energy partnership

The "Renewable Energy Alliance", composed of EU energy ministers, has reaffirmed the importance of renewables and energy efficiency for decarbonisation and Europe's competitiveness. The EU Commission's assessment suggests that renewables could account for up to 90% of EU electricity consumption by 2040.

Post-2030 policy framework

The alliance welcomes the EU Commission's commitment to develop a policy framework for the post-2030 period. Legal certainty at European level is essential to ensure investment security and accelerate the expansion of renewable energy and grids. 

Investments in solar infrastructure

Europe's increasing dependence on Chinese imports in the solar sector was discussed. The EU needs 80-90 GW of solar PV per year, but currently has only around 4 GW of production capacity. To strengthen the European solar industry, European resilience tenders were proposed to complement national ones.

Franco-German cooperation on flexibility

Germany and France agreed on further cooperation in the field of flexibility. Demand response, battery storage and manageable production capacity will be key areas in this collaboration, helping to ensure security of supply, optimise the electricity system and strengthen Europe's competitiveness.

The EU is moving towards a more sustainable future, prioritising renewables and flexibility in its energy strategy. With coordinated measures, significant investments and international collaboration, it aims to ensure security of supply and achieve a successful energy transition to a system based on renewable sources.