The European Union’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 necessitates the transformation of our energy system. Achieving ambitious targets, including a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, requires fossil fuel phase-out and the establishment of a new system centred on renewable energy and efficiency. This transition demands more than new generation capacity; it requires a complete reimagining how we plan the infrastructure that transports and delivers energy across the continent.

Historically, Europe’s energy networks for electricity, gas and heating have been planned and operated in separate systems. This fragmented sector-siloed approach is no longer viable for a highly integrated, renewables-based system. To achieve a climate-neutral future, it is essential to consider:

1. An unprecedented expansion of the electricity grid to connect renewable generation sites with demand centres.
2. The repurposing of existing gas networks to transport hydrogen.
3. The development of new infrastructure for carbon management (CCUS).

The absence of integrated planning can result in misallocation of investment, obsolescence of assets in fossil fuel infrastructure, and a potential carbon lock-in that could compromise the achievement of climate targets. This project will address the pressing need to break down these divisions and provide an integrated pathway for developing the energy infrastructure Europe needs.

This project, led by Agora Energiewende in partnership with EPG and other European energy think tanks, aims to promote an integrated approach to energy infrastructure planning. Our central goal is to provide the analytical foundation for developing future-proof electricity, hydrogen, and CO₂ networks that align with climate neutrality goals.

Through research, data analysis, and scenario modelling, the project derives an outlook for Europe’s energy infrastructure. This involves an analysis of the Romanian electricity and gas markets, its regulatory framework, and existing infrastructure limitations, while also supporting the debate on electricity market design reform, ensuring it supports the expansion of renewables.

The insights and analysis generated will be made available to the public through a series of reports, policy papers, and a public workshop. By equipping policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with integrated infrastructure planning, the project partners aim to place it high on the political agenda and drive forward-looking investment decisions across Europe.