Laura Otýpková
Lawyer and Head of the Responsible Energy Team
Frank Bold participated in the preparation of a new report examining the changes underway in the European energy sector and the need to modernize electricity grids to accommodate more renewable energy sources with emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).
The report, led by Climate Action Network Europe, finds that aging electricity infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe is limiting the integration of renewable power like wind and solar. About a third of Europe’s low voltage grid is over 40 years old and often unable to handle two-way power flows from distributed energy resources. This has resulted in renewable energy projects being denied connection or facing high costs due to grid upgrades.
To fully realize the benefits of the clean energy transition, the report recommends governments prioritize upgrading grids, ensure regulations that allow system operators to procure flexibility services, and empower small renewable projects and energy communities. It also calls for greater regional cooperation on grid planning and cross-border interconnections.
“The study addresses one of the main sore points of the current energy transition in the CEE - the state of our grids - not only describing the current situation, but more importantly offering recommendations on how to improve it. In the Czech Republic improving grid capacity will be especially important as new rules allowing electricity sharing in energy communities take effect in 2024," says Jan Bakule from Frank Bold.
If Central and Eastern European countries act on the report's recommendations, they could accelerate deployment of renewable energy and position themselves as leaders in developing modern, decentralized and climate-friendly power systems. Upgrading electricity networks is essential to cut fossil fuel dependence and meet European Union climate and renewable targets.
You can find the interactive infographic with the report's recommendations here and also read the full report here.
A new joint publication with Client Earth on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive helps EU Members states prepare for a meaningful transposition, ahead of the European Commission's expected implementation guidelines for the Directive next year.
EFRAG’s public consultation on the ESRS 40a (reporting standard for non-EU companies) marks a crucial moment for those working on corporate sustainability and accountability to send a clear signal to the EU on what direction to take. What is at stake is nothing less than Europe's international standing and authority, derived in part from its vision of a world where respect for human rights and the planet is a non-negotiable.
Read our just-released up-to-date briefing covering key EU sustainability law, including what has changed in the EU with the Omnibus reforms and what it means for businesses.
