Europe’s transmission system innovations to 2030 defined

The report, which draws on ENTSO-E’s RD&I roadmap for the decade 2024-2034, defines 13 project concepts categorised under six ‘missions’ that have been determined as priorities for the modernisation of Europe’s electricity system.

These 13 project concepts were  developed collaboratively by ENTSOE TSOs, drawing on the latest outcomes of ongoing and recently completed innovation projects, whether national, TSO-led, or EU-funded.

They also are intended to reflect a shift towards actionable and impactful research and innovation efforts and advancement by TSOs and their stakeholders to higher technology readiness and operational uptake.

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The project concepts (PCs), most with projects already under way, are as follows.

1. Enhance grid use and sustainability
PC 1: Improve supply chain resilience.
PC 2: Streamline network investments.

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

3. 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.

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

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

6. 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 report states that to address the limiting factors, the project concepts promote harmonised standards, open interfaces, interoperability testing facilities and secure data exchange frameworks with clear access rights and synthetic data generation, to safeguard privacy and enhance the reliability of digital solutions.

Further, the successful execution of these priorities requires coordinated action across multiple stakeholders, including TSOs, DSOs, regulatory authorities and technology providers.

There needs to be a coordinated approach to data management, regulatory alignment, stakeholder engagement and technological innovation to ensure that not only the technical challenges are addressed but also market integration, regulatory compliance and consumer needs.

Streamlined investment methodologies must be developed to identify and assess critical infrastructure projects while ensuring fair cost and benefit distribution among stakeholders. This includes innovative financing mechanisms, accelerated implementation timelines, and effective integration of renewable energy sources through increased price convergence and enhanced security of supply.

In conclusion, the ENTSO-E plan 2026 –  2030 outlines a shared pathway to accelerate the transition towards a secure, smart and sustainable  European power system, the report says.

"By defining a comprehensive set of project concepts aligned with the most pressing RDI priorities, the plan provides a strategic framework to translate long-term system needs into concrete innovation actions, support cross-border collaboration, and drive the development of technologies essential for  Europe’s energy transition. 

"The plan ultimately aims to lay the foundations for the energy system transformation needed to meet Europe’s decarbonisation goals and to ensure a secure, affordable, and cost-effective energy system for all consumers, in alignment with the EU energy policy landscape and objectives."