Europe’s main electricity trade group, Eurelectric, is calling on Brussels to update its energy security strategy, which has not changed since 2014. The association warns that new threats, including cyberattacks, geopolitical tensions, and rising gas prices, put Europe’s energy system at risk.
Call for Immediate Action
Leonhard Birnbaum, the president of Eurelectric, urged EU leaders to act quickly to protect Europe’s electricity supply. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he stressed that electricity is more important than ever. With the growing shift to renewable energy, cyber threats and attacks on power systems pose serious risks.
“Cyberattacks are the biggest danger to Europe’s energy system,” Birnbaum said. He explained that hackers can cause more damage than physical sabotage, putting homes, businesses, and industries in danger. He called for better cybersecurity, stronger grids, and flexible energy systems to handle demand.
Growing Energy Risks in Europe
Eurelectric’s warning comes at a time when Europe’s energy landscape is rapidly changing. The EU has made strong commitments to shift away from fossil fuels, particularly Russian gas, in response to geopolitical tensions. The European Commission has pledged to stop importing Russian fossil fuels by 2027. However, this transition brings its own challenges.
Gas prices remain high due to global supply issues and political uncertainty. Several incidents, such as sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022, have shown how vulnerable Europe’s energy infrastructure is. Experts worry that similar attacks could target power plants, transmission lines, or energy storage facilities.
Cyberattacks: The Most Urgent Threat
Cybersecurity experts warn that hackers are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure. Recent cyberattacks on power grids in Ukraine and other countries have shown how devastating such incidents can be. Hackers could shut down electricity for millions of people, disrupt essential services, and cause financial losses.
Unlike physical sabotage, cyberattacks can be carried out from anywhere in the world, making them harder to prevent. Eurelectric is pushing for stricter security rules, better coordination between EU countries, and increased investments in cybersecurity defenses.
Slow Progress on Renewable Energy
The EU has set ambitious goals for renewable energy. The RepowerEU plan aims to nearly double Europe’s wind and solar energy capacity by 2030. However, slow approval processes for new projects are delaying progress.
WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson said that many renewable energy projects are stuck in bureaucratic red tape. He pointed to Germany as an example of how faster approval times can speed up the transition to clean energy.
Meanwhile, some worry that Europe may turn back to coal due to energy shortages. But Birnbaum dismissed this idea, saying that coal is no longer a viable option. The cost of renewable energy is falling, and new technology makes clean energy more practical than ever.
The Need for a New Energy Security Plan
Despite the growing threats, the EU has yet to update its energy security strategy. The European Commission has tasked Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen with revising the framework to address cyber risks, climate-related threats, and infrastructure security. However, no clear timeline has been set for these updates.
Eurelectric is also calling for stronger supply chains for raw materials, which are essential for building wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries. The EU’s 2023 Critical Raw Materials Act was a step in the right direction, but more action is needed to ensure stable supply chains.
Europe at a Crossroads
The coming years will be critical for Europe’s energy future. The push for renewable energy is strong, but it must be matched with better security measures. Cyber threats, geopolitical risks, and energy supply issues make it clear that Europe’s outdated energy security strategy needs urgent revision.
As the EU moves forward, leaders must ensure that Europe’s power system remains stable, secure, and resilient. Eurelectric’s call for action serves as a warning: the time to strengthen Europe’s energy security is now.
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