Europe’s Electricity Grid Holding Back Growth in Renewables, New Report Warns
Europe’s push for clean energy is being undermined by a power grid system unfit for the rapid growth of renewables, according to a new report exposing widespread delays, inefficiencies, and outdated planning across the continent.
A new report released by Beyond Fossil Fuels, E3G, Ember, and the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis highlights a current disconnect between Europe’s renewable energy ambitions and the continent’s electricity grid capabilities. Despite the rapid rollout of wind and solar projects, outdated infrastructure and planning are holding back progress and costing consumers billions.
According to the report, 1,700 GW of renewable energy projects are currently stuck in grid connection queues across 16 countries, a staggering three times what’s needed to meet the EU’s 2030 climate and energy targets. Meanwhile, across just seven countries, €7.2 billion worth of clean electricity was wasted in 2024 alone due to grid constraints, with consumers footing the bill. Additional costs to consumers further hinders the energy transition, with consumers wanting green energy but not at any cost.
The analysis, covering 32 electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) across 28 European countries, reveals that many operators continue to rely on inadequate planning frameworks that fail to match up to surges in renewable generation. Only five TSOs have prepared for a complete fossil fuel phase out by 2035 scenario, despite 13 European countries targeting fully decarbonised power sectors within that timeframe.
The report argues that unless grid planning rules are urgently modernised, Europe risks locking itself into natural gas dependency from bureaucratic inertia, rather than any real necessity. Spain and Portugal’s recent blackouts served as a stark reminder of the need for resilient grid systems.
Some positive news from the report was the UK’s leadership in introducing an independent system operator, as well as a formal net zero mandate for its energy regulator. Gaps remain elsewhere however, with only 13 of the TSOs analysed having climate-related targets, with many not even listing the climate crisis among their priorities.
The report calls on governments and regulators to urgently reform grid governance and investment strategies to ensure that Europe’s electricity systems can deliver on the continent’s clean energy future.
Read the press release here
Read the full report here
