Brussels, 22 June 2016 – Ahead of the European Commission’s Energy Infrastructure Forum, Friends of the Supergrid releases the 4^th update of the Roadmap of the Supergrid Technologies, confirming that regulatory and not technical barriers are the main blocking element for the creation of an integrated European electricity grid.

The Supergrid Technology Roadmap offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the technology related to interconnections until 2050. The Roadmap illustrates the technology that is currently available, the upcoming technological developments and the common standards that are needed.

This 4^th Update of the Technology Roadmap includes advancements in technology such as DC Gas Insulated Switchgear and offshore platforms for HVDC applications that will contribute to a reduction of costs for converter platforms while simultaneously increasing security of supply levels and facilitating the integration of renewable generation.

The Roadmap also provides a summary of the latest EU level regulatory developments that can influence the acceleration of Supergrid projects, and presents different scenarios for the technological development of the Supergrid.

Speaking in Brussels, Pierre Bernard, CEO of SUPERGRID, said “the Supergrid Technology Roadmap demonstrates that innovative transmission technology is not the bottleneck. This technology is already being produced by the main players in the sector. Developing an integrated electricity grid represents a significant opportunity for Europe’s economy in the form of export potential and the creation of highly qualified jobs. However, to reap these benefits, we need a truly harmonized and collaborative European regulatory environment that includes a truly functioning accelerated permitting process for interconnections, a coordinated cross border regulatory framework and effective EU level financial incentives to deploy innovative European technologies.”

The 200 pages’ Technology Roadmap, which is a reference in the sector, will be valuable input for the EC’s upcoming Research, Innovation and Competitiveness Strategy, the upcoming Communication on the 15% interconnection target and the evaluation of the EU rules on measures to safeguard security of electricity supply and infrastructure investment.

This Report can be downloaded here:

Supergrid Technological Roadmap 2016 -FINAL(1)

Press contact:

Zafar Samadov

zsamadov@supergrid.brussels

+32 2 640 57 17

FOSG represents the key sectors active in the electricity grid industry, i.e. global multi-industrial companies with a combined turnover of €200 billion representing close to 1 million jobs. The main purpose of FOSG is to support the creation of an integrated European electricity market supported by a pan-European offshore and onshore electricity network, the Supergrid, which will significantly foster Europe’s energy independence.