European Commission Issues Action Plan for Grids

Executive briefing: On November 28, 2023 the European Commission published its Action Plan for Grids, committing to 16 immediate measures to expand and digitalise Europe’s electricity networks. The plan calls for €584 billion in investment by 2030, faster permitting for Projects of Common Interest, and coordinated procurement of smart grid technologies.

Key policy signals

• Permitting deadlines. Member States must apply the revised TEN-E Regulation timelines to strategic grid projects, including two-year limits for cross-border lines.
• Digital infrastructure. The plan pushes for EU-wide deployment of advanced metering infrastructure, grid digital twins, and cybersecurity baselines for DSOs.
• Supply chain coordination. The Commission will convene manufacturers and operators to secure capacity for transformers, cables, and power electronics under the Net-Zero Industry Act.

Control alignment

• EU siting strategies. Reassess timelines for European data centre and industrial projects based on the new permitting expectations.
• Vendor assessments. Update procurement criteria for grid equipment to align with the Commission’s digitalisation and cybersecurity priorities.
• Funding alignment. Track opportunities in the Connecting Europe Facility and Innovation Fund targeting grid upgrades.

Action checklist

• Review the Action Plan measures that map to member-state regulatory filings where the enterprise operates.
• Engage European DSOs and TSOs to understand their digitalisation roadmaps and workforce needs under the plan.
• Coordinate policy teams on consultation windows tied to the Action Plan’s implementation roadmap.

Sources

• European Commission — Action Plan for Grids (November 28, 2023)
• European Commission — Action Plan for Grids (PDF)

Zeph Tech is aligning EU infrastructure clients with the Commission’s grid investment agenda, translating policy actions into project sequencing.

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