Europe: These countries want to accelerate electricity reform

Spain and the Netherlands support a rapid reform of the European electricity market to reduce costs and help industries compete globally. However, disagreements remain about the scope of the reform.

Partagez:

Spain and the Netherlands have expressed their support for a quick agreement on the upcoming overhaul of the European electricity market. This reform aims to reduce electricity costs and help industries compete in global markets. The European Union’s energy ministers met in Stockholm on Monday, February 28, 2023 to discuss future plans.

Plans to prevent fluctuations in fossil fuel prices

The reform of the European electricity market aims to change the market to prevent short-term fluctuations in fossil fuel prices from wreaking havoc on the energy bills of European consumers. However, the plans have already sparked disagreement among EU countries on the scope of the reform.

Disagreement among EU countries on the scope of market reform

Spain is among those calling for substantial changes to align the system with Europe’s shift to green energy, while the Netherlands is wary of a major shake-up that could deter much-needed investment in the energy sector.

However, the Netherlands favors a robust and speedy process to ensure that the reform is completed this year, Dutch Energy Minister Rob Jetten told Reuters.

Spanish Energy Minister Teresa Ribera told Reuters that “timing is everything. And sometimes not being on time is a disaster.” She added that the reforms should be agreed before the European Parliament elections in mid-2024.

Reform as a response to the U.S. Green Industries Inflation Reduction Act

Ribera also said the reform could be part of Europe’s response to the huge subsidy package of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act for green industries. “Right now, the one thing that makes the biggest difference in terms of competitiveness between the U.S. and Europe is the cost of energy,” she said.

Negotiations on major EU legislation may take two years

Negotiations on major EU legislation, which require the approval of EU countries and the European Parliament, can take two years or more. The European Commission will propose the reforms next month.

 

  • Populaires ​
North American biomethane market to reach 604 mmcfd in 2025
France: Toul inaugurates 8.5 MW biomass heating plant with ENGIE Solutions
Sierra Leone launches extensive offshore oil exploration with 60 potential blocks
Sasol and Akuo sign major solar energy supply agreement
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
According to the 2025 report on global energy access, despite notable progress in renewable energy, insufficient targeted financing continues to hinder electricity and clean cooking access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
China and the United States improve their energy performance in an unstable global context
While advanced economies maintain global energy leadership, China and the United States have significantly progressed in the security and sustainability of their energy systems, according to the World Economic Forum's annual report.
Algeria and Angola strengthen energy cooperation at US–Africa summit
On the sidelines of the US–Africa summit in Luanda, Algiers and Luanda consolidate their energy collaboration to better exploit their oil, gas, and mining potential, targeting a common strategy in regional and international markets.
UK urged to accelerate electricity price reforms
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Spain and Portugal Strengthen Networks Following April Blackout
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia Commits 190 Billion USD to Expand Energy Capacity by 2034
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
France: Moratorium on renewables; warning about immediate industrial impact
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.
New European Battery Regulation Disrupts Europe’s Industrial Sector
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
European Parliament urges Brussels to act on energy grids
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
The European Commission unveils an ambitious plan to modernize electricity grids and introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen the continent's industrial and energy autonomy.
Wood Mackenzie highlights advantage of regulated utilities amid data centre boom
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
France sets renewable energy target of 200 TWh by 2030
The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
United States: emissions stagnate in 2024, uncertainty under Trump administration
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
France: Anticipated Energy Decree, National Assembly Denounces Democratic Risk
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
Spain Blackout: Analysis of Causes and European Financing Plan Approved
Seven weeks after the major Iberian power outage, Spain identifies technical network failures, while the European Investment Bank approves major funding to strengthen the interconnection with France.
European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS