Europe urgently needs to invest heavily in its power grids to meet soaring energy demands and achieve ambitious climate goals. Hitachi Energy CEO Andreas Schierenbeck emphasized this takeaway, pointing out that the continent is currently facing significant challenges, including an outdated power grid system that has stymied progress. He highlighted the importance of adding 500 GW of renewable energy, which, if all connected to the grid, would power 50 billion LED lights or support 45 million standard electric vehicles. However, due to grid limitations and slow permitting processes, this capacity is already nearly exhausted.
Schierenbeck argued that the transition to cleaner energy, driven by climate goals, is no longer feasible if Europe fails to invest in its power grids. He compared the need to shift energy from fossil fuels to renewables to a demand for the internet of the 90s, underscoring the urgency of rapid infrastructure expansion and grid modernisation. He used Germany as an example, demonstrating how fast infrastructure projects can be documented under current regulations, even with delays in permitting processes.
Regulations designed to prevent over-extension or over-chat, which cost money but slowed progress, are now holding the continent back. By offering clear guidance and encouraging collaboration between policymakers, business leaders, and regulators, Europe could accelerate the need for renewable energy and grid expansion. However, relying solely on outdated regulations and bureaucratic delays has prevented this transition from happening quickly enough.
