SuperNode has submitted a response to the European Commission’s public consultation on the energy security evaluation, emphasising the need to accelerate Europe’s transition to secure, independent and decarbonised energy systems.
Supernode’s response highlights that Europe’s longstanding reliance on imported fossil fuels remains a significant vulnerability, as evidenced by over €200 billion spent on Russian oil and gas since the invasion of Ukraine. Simultaneously, high costs associated with imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) continue to burden European economies.
SuperNode asserts that Europe’s energy security depends on its ability to replace costly fossil imports with renewable energy, primarily wind and solar, combined with extensive electrification. Electrification, being more efficient than combustion, could halve Europe’s primary energy use. However, the primary barrier to this transition is the lack of a synchronised, pan-European electricity infrastructure capable of supporting variable renewable energy.
SuperNode advocates for the establishment of a pan-European DC grid fit for the purposes of decarbonisation, energy independence and lower energy costs. These efforts must be complemented with efforts to apply various innovative grid technologies to optimise the use of existing grid infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the European Union must demonstrate and support the rapid development of high-capacity transmission cable technology, including superconducting cable technology, to reduce raw material needs, excessive cost, environmental impacts and planning hurdles.
You can view SuperNode’s full response here.