Digitalising the European energy grid: Big step towards unplugging Europe from fossil fuels

DIGITALEUROPE fully supports the intentions of the Digitalisation of Energy Action Plan (DoEAP) in delivering the enormous potential of a digitally transformed energy ecosystem. Digital is key to ending the EU’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels, tackling the climate crisis and ensuring affordable access to energy for all. 

DIGITALEUROPE’s Director General Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl said: 

‘’Without digital technologies, no solar panels can function, no residential buildings can become energy-efficient and no transition to zero-emission vehicles is possible. A rapid uptake of renewables by 2030 can only happen with a digital energy system.  

However, a successful implementation of the Energy Action plan would depend on how ready Member states will be to work together and overcome the existing challenges of a highly fragmented energy market. It would also depend on how exactly the 584 billion euros needed until 2030 to modernise the energy grid, would be sourced. It is essential that a substantial percentage of those funds get invested in digitalisation.  

Moreover, no digitalization action plan can be successful without equipping citizens with the needed skills. In 2021, only 54% of Europeans had basic digital skills. A dynamic digitalised energy market would require a digitally skilled society.‘’ 

The potential of the Digitalisation of Energy Action Plan (DoEAP) could also be indirectly undermined by the outcomes of the current AI and Data, which calls for an inclusive discussion to clarify its scope and requirements.