On 25 April, WindEurope, the European wind energy association, welcomed the European Commission’s grid action plan, which will resolve a number of structural problems, but stressed the urgent need for action on the very long grid connection queues.
The association appreciates the fact that this action plan, launched on 28 November 2023 (see EUROPE 13302/8), aims to strengthen long-term network planning, including for hydrogen storage, optimisation and infrastructure.
However, WindEurope believes that serious steps need to be taken as soon as possible to clear the “huge and growing” queues of renewables waiting for a grid connection.
It would also like to see speculative projects filtered out to a greater extent, and priority given to projects that are the most mature, strategic and likely to be implemented.
In addition, WindEurope believes that the Commission should take into account the varying development and authorisation times of different technologies, moving away from a “first come, first served“ approach. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)