Cases: Europa

Master of Ceremonie fo the Eurolectric’s Power Barometer 2025 in Brussels

I had the pleasure to moderate Eurelectric’s Power Barometer 2025 in Brussels.
There was good news, too: EU power-sector CO₂ is down 57% vs. 2008, and in 2024 wholesale prices were ~27% lower during hours when renewables exceeded 50% of generation. So, momentum is real. 😉

But the conversation quickly turned to what’s holding Europe back—and how to fix it. From the many energy-transition debates I lead, one theme keeps coming up: grid congestion is becoming the bottleneck. If we want electrification to pull competitiveness, we need to plan and build grids ahead of demand, speed up permits, and reward flexibility that frees up capacity.

My three takeaways:
1) Electrification first. Cut the admin drag and give clear, bankable signals so industry and households switch faster.

2) Grids as critical infrastructure. Anticipatory investment, smarter planning, and fair cost recovery are now essential and not optional.

3) Flexibility everywhere. From LDES to demand response and hydro, value flexibility properly so the system stays reliable and affordable.

None of this is a solo act. Utilities, policymakers, and industry will have to move in concert – with technology neutrality and a system view – if we’re serious about a resilient, competitive Europe.

Thanks to Eurelectric and a sharp panel for the frank discussion: Eva Chamizo Llatas (Iberdrola), Erkki MAILLARD (EDF), MEP Tsvetelina Penkova, Mechthild Wörsdörfer (DG ENER), and Will Broad(LDES Council)—and to Kristian Ruby for setting the stage. And the Eurelectric Team with Ann Strzelczyk for the good preps.