“Ensuring the electricity supply is an existential imperative for the EU,” states Eurelectric in a letter sent to EU Energy Ministers, who will meet in Brussels on December 15 to discuss supply security.
The trade association emphasizes that energy infrastructures have become a target of hybrid attacks amidst rising geopolitical tensions and strategic competition between major powers, adding that “energy security is synonymous with electrical security.”
Eurelectric proposes that the 27 member states allocate part of the 250 billion euros designated for defense-related investments to reinforce the allied commitment to fund up to 1.5% of GDP in security capabilities to strengthen the electric sector.
The association requests the creation of reserves of essential components, financing for drone detection and neutralization systems, enhancements in cybersecurity, and the acceleration of rapid repair capacity for damaged infrastructures.
“Preparation for physical and cyber attacks, response practice, and recovery planning must become the new norm,” states the organization in the letter, advocating for joint exercises between companies, civil authorities, and military units to enhance reaction capabilities.
As a second priority, Eurelectric calls for “optimizing open strategic autonomy,” so the EU can find “a proper balance between ending import dependencies and the costs stemming from strict local content requirements.”
Finally, Eurelectric urges the assurance of a “secure electricity supply” through “holistic” system planning, increased investments in new secure infrastructures, and market mechanisms to mobilize more flexibility resources, deemed essential to maintain supply “under any scenario.”
The message from electricity companies comes on the eve of the European Commission’s presentation of a plan to strengthen networks and accelerate the electrification of the EU’s production system.
