On Tuesday, 26 November, Eurelectric published a report dedicated to the climate impact of distribution system operators (DSOs), in which the association presented several recommendations to ensure the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives, particularly in the context of the revision of the CSRD—the directive that imposes new transparency standards, notably with regard to carbon footprints.
Eurelectric thus analysed data from DSOs serving 106 million customers, which corresponds to 40% of customers in the EU.
The report reveals that, for the average DSO, scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from sources belonging to the organisation) are 4%, scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy) are 43%, and scope 3 emissions (all other indirect emissions that occur in the company’s value chain) are 54%.
Among other things, Eurelectric recommends ensuring that any initiative concerning sustainable development includes an approach based on the circular economy, that it makes optimal use of existing assets, and that it does not encourage premature decommissioning.
The association is also calling for the climate targets set for 2030, 2040, and 2050 to remain a priority while stressing that the most sustainable materials and chemicals should be used.
Finally, Eurelectric believes that it is important to allow [DSOs] to choose the “most appropriate” methodology for reporting electricity losses (depending on the location or market of the electricity mix) when reporting scope 2 emissions.
To see the report: https://aeur.eu/f/ehd (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)