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

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