ENTSO-E’s TYNDP 2022 takes an incremental approach to grid planning at a time when ambition and rapid acceleration are needed.
SuperNode, as part of currENT – the European association of innovative grid companies – has responded to ENTSO-E’s (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity) consultation on the Ten Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) 2022.
SuperNode CEO John Fitzgerald said:
“There is a need for a new approach to grid planning. This is not reflected in ENTSO-E’s TYNDP. We need to establish what a decarbonised electricity grid looks like in 2050 and work backwards from there. We must plan a truly fit for purpose pan-European grid for 2050 and then plan for the transitionary period to reach that point. Without this approach we will fall short of an efficient grid capable of delivering affordable, renewable energy for all Europeans.”
The response emphasises the need for a long-term approach to grid planning. Anticipatory investments must play a critical part in this long-term plan and those projects delivering the highest contribution earliest, should be delivered first.CurrENT’s response also stresses the need for the TYNDP to remain open to and plan for new innovative technologies, such as superconducting transmission technology, that may mature and significantly impact grid efficiency from 2030 and onwards:
“The TYNDP must assume the use of such existing as well as emerging technologies within the 2050 timeframe, when it would be socioeconomic beneficial to apply them.”
The most significant drawback of the TYNDP is that it not does reflect the stronger renewable energy and energy efficiency targets in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and RePowerEU. While this is understandable as the new targets have not fully cleared the legislative process, the knowledge that the targets will be significantly increased, undermines the TYNDP’s value. The TYNDP2024 will need a major reshaping to reflect the updated targets and the need for pan-European grid planning.
View currENT’s full response here.