On Tuesday 18 October, the European Commission presented its action plan to digitise the energy sector in order to improve its efficiency and the integration of renewable energy (see EUROPE 13028/2).
“The European Green Deal and the programme for a Europe fit for the digital age are two of the Commission’s central priorities and go hand in hand. The aim is to make our energy system more efficient and ready for an increasing share of renewable energy sources. For this we need more innovative digital solutions and a much smarter grid”, commented European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.
In detail, the measures unveiled should primarily serve to promote connectivity, interoperability and the transparent exchange of energy data and provide more efficient services based on digital innovations.
To this end, the plan presented by the Commission is structured around three main areas. Firstly, substantive work will be done to develop a strong governance framework for a European energy data space. This, the Commission argues, will help consumers to better control their energy consumption and bills through new digital tools and services.
In addition, the Commission also proposes that an environmental labelling system be introduced. This energy label, which aims to control the consumption of information and communication technologies, could be used, among other things, to increase the transparency of energy consumption for computers, data centres and telecommunication services. Blockchain technologies would also receive an energy label.
In addition, cybersecurity will also be at the centre of the work to protect energy networks through new legislation. This would include a network code for the cybersecurity aspects of cross-border electricity flows under the EU electricity regulation.
The European Commission also indicates that it intends to continue its financial support for research and innovation to stimulate the adoption of digital technologies in the energy sector, notably through programmes such as ‘Horizon Europe’ and the Cohesion Fund.
The presentation of this action plan comes at a time when - although work has been underway on the subject for some time - Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising energy prices have increased the need for the EU to quickly achieve independence from fossil fuel imports, primarily from Russia. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)