Eurelectric: Grid digitalisation can improve power system efficiency in Europe, but untapped potential remains

Meanwhile, a higher share of renewables entails more grid planning and better forecasting due to their variable and decentralised nature. Considering renewables will constitute 42.5% of Europe's final energy use by 2030, digital-ready infrastructure is a critical pre-requisite.

"There are many opportunities today to digitalise grid build-out, operations and maintenance, but to fully leverage them, grid operators must be supported by clear regulation to make their business go digital" – says Eurelectric's Secretary General, Kristian Ruby.

As part of the Wired for Tomorrow study, a survey was conducted with thirty European DSOs. Regulation was identified as the largest external challenge to a digitalised grid, followed by skills shortage. On the contrary, where regulation was clear and supportive of investments, such as in cybersecurity, digital maturity was highest across DSOs. 

National regulators should encourage digitalisation investments by ensuring appropriate compensation for DSOs. In parallel, the new legislation introduced under the twin green and digital transitions – from the Electricity Market Design, to the Renewable Energy Directive, the Data and AI Act – must be coherently implemented across sectors, avoiding overlaps and inconsistencies.

Lastly, a digitalised power system can only succeed with a skilled workforce able to operate it. The EU can help bridge the current skill gap by formalising education, developing skills initiatives and introducing certification recognised across the EU.

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