SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Energy remains a political priority for the European Union in 2026

The European Commission plans to keep energy at the heart of its 2026 agenda, with several structural reforms targeting market security, governance and simplification.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The European Commission has confirmed that energy policy will remain a key pillar of its 2026 work programme. Under the title “Europe’s independence moment”, the agenda focuses on strengthening the integration of the internal market, with the stated goal of supporting competitiveness and economic resilience. The energy sector holds a central place in this effort, building on the previous year’s Clean Industrial Deal and Affordable Energy Action Plan.

Several initiatives scheduled for the first quarter

The initial phase of the programme includes the publication of an electrification strategy featuring a specific component on heating and cooling. It will be accompanied by an energy security package. Both initiatives are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, and public consultations have already been held this autumn. These aim to structure the industrial and technical approach to energy transition across Member States.

Another major focus of the semester will be the Energy Omnibus, a legislative project aimed at simplifying rules governing energy-related products in the European Union. This initiative is planned for the second quarter of 2026, as part of a broader effort to streamline EU law.

Energy Union overhaul and nuclear outlook

The second half of the year will focus on reviewing the objectives of the Energy Union beyond 2030. Several legislative proposals are expected, including drafts related to Energy Union governance, the Renewable Energy Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive, and infrastructure for CO2 transport and markets.

In addition, a dedicated strategy is being prepared to guide the development of the first fusion power plants on the continent. No official date has yet been announced for the adoption of this strategic document, but it has been included in the 2026 programme.

Parallel projects expected by the end of 2025

In parallel, several related initiatives are expected before the end of 2025, including the Grids Package, the Citizens Energy Package, and the Clean Energy Investment Strategy. Although distinct from the 2026 programme, these projects aim to lay the technical and financial groundwork for upcoming European energy reforms.

In another section of the programme, the Commission also states that a set of measures will be proposed to address the housing and cost-of-living crisis in Europe. Among them is a new initiative targeting the impact of short-term rentals on residential supply.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Japan set to vote on partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant
AfDB grants $7.41mn to Liberia to complete hydroelectric power plant
OX2 strengthens presence in Romania with 235 MW of acquired wind projects
TotalEnergies and Japanese groups launch 250 MW e-gas project in Nebraska
Indonesia, Viet Nam and the Philippines integrate storage to secure solar PPAs
France: the CRE launches a transitional mechanism to regulate suppliers
The French Energy Regulatory Commission introduces a temporary prudential control on gas and electricity suppliers through a “guichet à blanc” opening in December, pending the transposition of European rules.
Carney and Smith unlock pipeline to Asia and amend tanker ban law
The Carney–Smith agreement launches a new pipeline to Asia, removes oil and gas emission caps, and initiates reform of the Pacific north coast tanker ban.
Post-CfD renewable assets expose investors to increased market risk
The gradual exit from CfD contracts is turning stable assets into infrastructures exposed to higher volatility, challenging expected returns and traditional financing models for the renewable sector.
Canada reforms Energy Efficiency Act to align policy with digital markets
The Canadian government introduces major legislative changes to the Energy Efficiency Act to support its national strategy and adapt to the realities of digital commerce.
Quebec maintains sole carbon price at the pump despite federal tax repeal
Quebec becomes the only Canadian province where a carbon price still applies directly to fuels, as Ottawa eliminated the public-facing carbon tax in April 2025.
India invests $872mn to locally produce rare earth permanent magnets
New Delhi launches a 72.8 bn INR incentive plan to build a 6,000-tonne domestic capacity for permanent magnets, amid rising Chinese export restrictions on critical components.
Long-term contracts reshape electricity market risk over 30 years amid volatility
The rise of CfDs, PPAs and capacity mechanisms signals a structural shift: markets alone no longer cover 10–30-year financing needs, while spot prices have surged 400% in Europe since 2019.
Berlin plans to acquire 25.1% of TenneT Germany by early 2026
Germany plans to finalise the €5.8bn ($6.34bn) purchase of a 25.1% stake in TenneT Germany to strengthen its control over critical national power grid infrastructure.
Ghana restructures its power sector around domestic gas to contain deficit
The Ghanaian government is implementing a reform of its energy system focused on increasing the use of local natural gas, aiming to reduce electricity production costs and limit the sector's financial imbalance.
Suriname targets 220,000 barrels per day in oil strategy by 2028
On the 50th anniversary of its independence, Suriname announced a national roadmap including major public investment to develop its offshore oil reserves.
South Korea under pressure from the IEA to liberalise its electricity market
In its latest review, the International Energy Agency warns of structural blockages in South Korea’s electricity market, calling for urgent reforms to close the gap on renewables and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
China’s installed power capacity reaches 3.75 bn kW, up 17.3 %
China's power generation capacity recorded strong growth in October, driven by continued expansion of solar and wind, according to official data from the National Energy Administration.
Trump revives US offshore with 34 lease sales planned between 2026 and 2031
The 2026–2031 offshore programme proposes opening over one billion acres to oil exploration, triggering a regulatory clash between Washington, coastal states and legal advocacy groups.
The Mozambique centralises its gas infrastructure to secure the Beira–Rompco corridor
The government of Mozambique is consolidating its gas transport and regasification assets under a public vehicle, anchoring the strategic Beira–Rompco corridor to support Rovuma projects and respond to South Africa’s gas dependency.
NESO launches national consultation to plan regional energy infrastructure
The British system operator NESO initiates a consultation process to define the methodology of eleven upcoming regional strategic plans aimed at coordinating energy needs across England, Scotland and Wales.
COP30 locks in adaptation, avoids fossil phase-out and opens a climate regulatory front
The Belém summit ends with a technical compromise prioritising forest investment and adaptation, while avoiding fossil fuel discussions and opening a climate–trade dialogue likely to trigger new regulatory disputes.
Asian Development Bank commits $700mn to support Kyrgyz Republic’s energy strategy
The Asian Development Bank and the Kyrgyz Republic have signed a financing agreement to strengthen energy infrastructure, climate resilience and regional connectivity, with over $700mn committed through 2027.
UK urged to choose between carbon capture and aviation fuels
A study from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies finds that energy-from-waste with carbon capture delivers nearly twice the climate benefit of converting waste into aviation fuel.
Sipperec renews electricity concession contract with EDF and Enedis
Signed for 25 years, the new concession contract between Sipperec, EDF and Enedis covers 87 municipalities in the Île-de-France region and commits the parties to managing and developing the public electricity distribution network until 2051.
The CRE assesses the gradual restart of retail energy markets
The French Energy Regulatory Commission publishes its 2023–2024 report, detailing the crisis impact on gas and electricity markets and the measures deployed to support competition and rebuild consumer trust.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.