In its presentation of the legislative package on technological sovereignty—which was adopted on Wednesday, 3 June (see EUROPE 13880/1)—the European Commission has estimated €400 billion in investments is needed in the energy sector.
However, the projected amounts of public investment that are in the ‘roadmap’ for digitalisation and the inclusion of artificial intelligence in the energy sector (see EUROPE 13880/4) are quite far off the mark.
In fact, the European Commission has not announced any additional amounts in it but has listed the investments already planned to be made in the Horizon Europe work programme for 2026 and 2027, which are earmarked for research and innovation.
The latter provides €75 million in investments for AI technologies in the energy sector—spread over 2026 and 2027. These funds will be allocated to grids, self-consumption, energy sharing, and storage, thus following the logic of the ‘roadmap’.
Over the same period, €190 million will be invested in digital technologies for renewable energies, building renovation, and energy efficiency through the same programme but with no direct link to the measures presented this week, and €90 million has been earmarked for cutting-edge solutions for electricity grids.
The European Commission has also announced a €10 million initiative through the LIFE programme’s 2026 call for proposals to strengthen energy distribution system operators’ digital skills and AI skills.
Combined, this funding amounts to €365 million. To close the gap, the European Commission plans to consult with the European Investment Bank, Member States, and other stakeholders in order to find ways to implement its action plan. (Original version in French by Nadège Delépine)