# Grid Development in Europe: Five Actions to Strengthen the Business and Economic Case

Briefing Paper, October 2024In collaboration with Accenture

[Read the Report](https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Grid_Development_in_Europe_2024.pdf)


## Unlocking the Future of Europe's Energy Grids: A Strategic Approach to Grid Development and Modernization

As Europe accelerates its transition towards a net-zero future, the need for robust and modern energy infrastructure has never been more critical. The Grid Development in Europe report, created in collaboration with Accenture, provides a comprehensive analysis and concrete recommendations to support grid expansion and modernization across the continent.


## Why Now?

With a projected doubling of electricity demand and the integration of vast amounts of renewable energy into the grid, Europe faces significant challenges in ensuring a stable, sustainable, and secure energy supply. Investment in grid infrastructure must increase substantially, reaching over $750 billion annually by 2030, to meet the continent’s ambitious climate and energy goals.


## Our Approach

The report proposes five key actions to strengthen the business and economic case for grid development in Europe:


### 1. Assess Grid Investments Holistically

Recognizing the broader societal and economic benefits of grid investments, such as job creation, energy security, and sustainability.


### 2. Improve the Attractiveness of Grid-Related Investments

Addressing regulatory challenges and creating a more favorable environment for private investment.


### 3. Rethink Consumer Tariffs

Redesigning tariff structures to optimize grid capacity and support the energy transition.


### 4. Adopt a Comprehensive Approach to Network Planning

Expanding planning horizons and integrating various energy vectors for a resilient energy system.


### 5. Accelerate Infrastructure Delivery

Overcoming bottlenecks in permitting, workforce availability, and supply chain constraints to speed up project delivery.

Achieving Europe’s net-zero ambitions hinges on a strong business and economic case for grid development, which will require cooperation across the value chain, from regulators and grid operators to technology providers and policymakers. By embracing these five key actions, we can unlock significant system-wide value, driving the energy transition forward in a way that is not only efficient and sustainable but also economically viable and socially beneficial.

Insights from the European Grids Roundtable organized by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) and the International Energy Agency (IEA).