European Union: Grids Package

In brief

The European Commission’s proposed EU Grids Package marks a significant evolution of the legal and governance framework for EU-related energy infrastructure. It combines accelerated permitting rules, revised Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) processes (including 10-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP), Projects of Common Interest (PCI) and Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)), enhanced cost allocation mechanisms, and measures to improve grid efficiency and security. Central to the reform is a shift toward stronger EU level coordination of grid infrastructure planning, with the Commission and Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) assuming a more prominent role in scenario setting and needs assessment. While many elements respond to long standing bottlenecks in grid development and enjoy broad support, the Package also raises important implementation questions, notably around institutional capacity, timing, and the risk that increased centralization and longer planning cycles could affect responsiveness and project delivery.

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