ENTSO-E puts flexibility at heart of 2030 RDI roadmap

The plan, which is now open for consultation, is aimed to set out the next concrete steps necessary to advance the RDI priorities for the European power system to deliver on the energy transition. 

Its basis is the RDI roadmap 2024-2034, with its six ‘missions’ defined along with milestones as essential to achieve this clean energy transition. 

Specifically, the roadmap targets evolving flexibility needs and supports the timely deployment of multiple carbon‑neutral flexibility resources – including flexible generation, active demand, storage, sector integration and flexible grid use – while reinforcing future TSO core activities within an increasingly interdependent ‘system of systems’. 

Also of interest: 
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Considering initiatives for the 2026-2030 implementation period, supply chain resilience and standardised asset management emerge as foundational priorities for grid transformation, with current bottlenecks due to strained supply chains and extended delivery times for essential equipment. 

HVDC technology integration represents another critical pillar for Europe’s energy infrastructure, with the expansion towards meshed large-scale HVDC grids necessitating cross-manufacturer compatibility through the development of multi-vendor, multi terminal systems. 

Developing digital solutions to enhance power system operations becomes crucial to manage the increasing complexity from inverter based resources and variable renewable generation, while grid forming capability development emerges as critical for power electronics dominated systems. 

Resilience to extreme weather events also has become paramount as climate events intensify and threaten grid stability.  

Addressing these complex challenges requires the deployment of novel AI tools for the power system. In particular, AI-based decision support systems offer breakthrough potential to improve grid management.  

In parallel cross-sector integration and the development of hydrogen technologies could provide strategic flexibility for long-term system optimisation. 

Finally, the successful execution of these priorities requires coordinated action across multiple stakeholders, including TSOs, DSOs, regulatory authorities and technology, requiring streamlined investment methodologies to be developed to identify and assess critical infrastructure projects while ensuring fair cost and benefit distribution among stakeholders. 

In total the implementation plan identifies 13 project concepts under the six missions: 

Enhance grid use and sustainability:
PC 1: Improve supply chain resilience and synchronised asset management through standardisation.
PC 2: Streamlining network investments.

Onshore and offshore grid development and integration:
PC 3: Streamlining HVDC converter concepts.
PC 4: Development of tools and procedures for optimised operation of HVDC onshore and offshore cables.

Ensure secure and stable operation of the hybrid AC/DC grid:
PC 5: Development of near real time tools and demonstrators for dynamic hybrid AC/DC system simulations. 
PC 6: Roadmap for grid forming capability as a solution for power electronics dominated system.

Enhance control and interoperability through digitalisation:
PC 7: AI based decision support system solutions for future system operations.
PC 8: Resilient and integrated grid operations for extreme events.
PC 9: Grid digital twin for enhanced real time observability.

Enhance flexibility assessment and market mechanisms:
PC 10: Integrated framework for automated DER flexibility services.
PC 11: Advanced power system forecasting for enhanced grid stability and market efficiency. 

Tools and strategies for optimal cross-sector integration:
PC 12: Hydrogen hub – enhancing grid resilience and flexibility through sector coupling.
PC 13: Analysis of cross sector integration potential and role model definition.

The public consultation is open to 22 May 2026.