EU associations collaborate to strengthen grid manufacturing base

Associations T&D Europe, ENTSO-E, EU DSO Entity and EuropaCable are pooling their resources to strengthen the European manufacturing base for the power sector, with grid infrastructure their key focus.

A central pillar of the collaboration is to jointly deliver modernised European grid infrastructure, an effort underpinned by greater flexibility, efficiency, and innovation to support grid infrastructure projects.

In the build up to their collaboration, the associations say they have jointly defined priorities and actionable measures to support grid development and deployment of grid infrastructure through a shared understanding of the challenges faced by each entity, particularly regarding supply chain and procurement.

Over the coming months, the four parties will assess potential benefits of possible common practices on asset testing and qualification specifications, increased investment visibility, and collaboration in contributing to the planned revision of the EU’s procurement rules.

These efforts, say the associations in a joint statement, will lead to the development of a roadmap focused on:

• Assessing common technical approaches on:
  • (Pre-)qualifications and testing for HVDC Cables and HVAC 380kV cables
  • Factory acceptance testing, streamlining the process for power transformers and HV cables, as well as mutual recognition on factories and manufacturing lines
  • Functional specifications for HVDC converter stations
• Contributing to the revision of EU’s public procurement rules to facilitate efficient and flexible procurement processes;
• Continuing support for the current system of international standards;
• Continuing to share existing good practices on skilled workforce development in line with ongoing efforts.

Have you read:
ENTSO-E releases draft RDI roadmap to 2034
Joint European electricity-gas network development scenarios released

Nearly a year since the Grid Action Plan

Commenting in the joint statement was Jochen Kreusel, president of T&D Europe: “At the end of 2024, we can look back on nearly one year with the framework of the Grid Action Plan and one year of very constructive and forward-looking collaboration with the organisations of the network operators.

“Together, we are committed to seizing the opportunity of the energy transition to strengthen the European grid technology sector while simultaneously delivering the expectations raised by an accelerated transformation of Europe’s energy systems towards a sustainable, reliable, and affordable future. High expectations have been placed on the electricity value chain, but we are confident that together we will cope with them.”

The collaboration follows the Copenhagen Energy Infrastructure Forum in June 2024, after which the collaboration between the four entities has significantly deepened to advance the objectives of Action 13 of the European Commission’s Grid Action Plan (2023).

The plan called upon ENTSO-E and EU DSO Entity to collaborate with technology providers “to develop common technology specifications and improve visibility of grid project pipelines, to facilitate investments in manufacturing capacity and secure supply chains”. 

Said Peter Vermaat, secretary general of DSO Entity: “The needs of the distribution grids were made visible within the Grid Action Plan, and its Action Point 13.

“While many of our members struggle with the sourcing of essential equipment, we do understand the need for a collective response that would bring distribution, transmission, and manufacturers to the same table. We look forward to the continuation of the work even beyond the Grid Action Plan itself, to support stronger supply chains and an enabled distribution system, all fit for the transition ahead”.

Added Volker Wendt, secretary general of EuropaCable: “When it comes to cables, Europe has everything it needs: We have the technology, the know-how, the expertise, the people and the capacities to deliver the cables Europe needs.

“Europe is home to the world’s leading cable producers. We deliver. Our bold investments are testimony to our commitment to connect and decarbonise Europe. Viable investment conditions, clear demand visibility and fair market conditions are prerequisites for further expansion and will safeguard the competitiveness of EU manufacturing.

“Working together with our partners will establish common technical approaches and streamline procurement processes for grid deployment. This will improve efficiencies and reduce redundancies thereby contributing to meet the objectives of the European Grid Action Plan.”

Said Damian Cortinas, chair of the Board at ENTSO-E: “Our strengthened collaboration following the Copenhagen Energy Infrastructure Forum marks a significant step forward in delivering the resilient, efficient, and innovative grid infrastructure Europe needs.

“By addressing supply chain and procurement challenges, refining technical approaches, and aligning with evolving policy landscapes, we’re building a foundation for clean and affordable energy access for all Europeans. Together, we’re not just developing infrastructure; we’re shaping the future of Europe’s energy landscape.”

The parties will report on further progress at the next Energy Infrastructure Forum in Copenhagen mid-2025.