Beyond Fossil Fuels
BFF
Our vision is of a fair and sustainable, renewables-based European electricity sector that is predominantly powered by wind and solar energy, and free of fossil fuels by 2035.
ID: 339276098674-71
Lobbying Activity
Response to European grid package
23 Jul 2025
Beyond Fossil Fuels is pleased to present evidence and recommendations to the Commission based on our research into European Transmission System Operators (please see attached file for a summary, and link here: https://beyondfossilfuels.org/2025/05/13/how-europes-grid-operators-are-preparing-for-the-energy-transition-a-snapshot-of-electricity-transmission-system-operator-practices-and-plans/ ) Our key recommendations are as follows: > Set EU and national targets committing to deliver a fossil free, renewables-based power system by 2035. This could be done through the NECP process. > Oblige Member States (MS) to place a climate mandate or duty on national energy regulators to strengthen their oversight of TSOs and DSOs. This will ensure grid operators can take a suitably long-term outlook in planning and investments. > Establish a public body at EU level, and encourage MS to do likewise at national level, to act as an independent energy system planner - as seen in the UK and Australia - to undertake grid planning and operations; and to provide rigorous, transparent assessments on the energy transition, aligned with climate targets. > Introduce legislation to support unbundling of DSOs to reduce conflicts of interests, with full ownership unbundling as the preferred solution. Establish measures such as supporting municipalities and other local actors to buy back their DSO. > Require MS to work with TSOs and DSOs to ensure grid investments are aligned with a renewables-based energy system by 2035, undertaking anticipatory investments as needed. > Encourage MS to work with TSOs and DSOs to ensure that grid planning scenarios are based on the latest data about renewable deployment and reflect the needs of an electrified economy. Such scenarios may point to a faster pace of change than government targets. > Require MS to ensure there are no upper-limit restrictions on the energy scenarios that TSOs and DSOs can utilise in network planning, enabling them to plan for ambitious renewables penetration and electrification. > Encourage MS to work with TSOs and DSOs to cut connection queues for important electrification, renewables and storage projects; as well as energy community schemes. This can include via strategic project prioritisation; mobilising participants in congestion management; shared connection and co-location of assets; and rolling out alternative connection contracts. > Identify and encourage MS to adopt regulatory best practice to encourage use of non-wire solutions (e.g. by implementing a TOTEX model and incentive-based schemes), addressing the current CAPEX bias that can occur. Incentivise the widespread adoption of solutions that maximise the existing grid: such as dynamic line ratings, cable pooling, non-firm connections, use of storage and demand flexibility for grid balancing. > Lack of staff within system operators and permitting authorities remains among the main bottlenecks to swift permitting. More resources should be allocated to recruit and train skilled staff. > At the TSO and DSO level, connection of renewable energy and flexible demand should be prioritised over connection requests which do not contribute so much to the public good, such as data centres and gas turbines. > Encourage MS to ensure that the costs of grid upgrades are fairly distributed, and do not unduly increase the bills of vulnerable and low income households - including through industry exemptions. > Encourage MS to work with TSOs to use open-source energy models to enable proper oversight and scrutiny. DSOs should publish scenario modelling and network plans and investments. TSOs should publish data on key indicators. > We urge the Commission not to re-open legislation unnecessarily, or undermine environmental protections. REDIII provides clear rules and guidance on accelerating permitting for renewables, storage and grids. The focus should instead be on supporting MS in swift implementation.
Read full response