From 17-18 September, members of the Electrification Alliance travelled to Strasbourg, to organise activities for the European Parliament’s plenary session.

On 17 September, the Electrification Alliance organised an electrification dinner with the European Energy Forum (EEF), attended by over 140 guests, including 20 MEPs from across the political spectrum. The Electrification Alliance introduced their priorities for an Electrification Action Plan, as well as the benefits of electrification. The discussions that followed focused on, amongst others topics: the importance of visibility and price stability for investors; the necessity of collaboration and long-term planning for grid infrastructure; and combating rising electricity prices.

On 18 September, the Electrification Alliance organised a lunch which was hosted by MEP Niels Fuglsang (S&D), and was attended by 10 MEPs and Electrification Alliance members. Conversations addressed:  grids and flexibility and the need for anticipatory investments and energy system flexibility; the importance of providing low-income people households with the opportunity to electrify; and on permitting and skills.

Throughout these events, Electrification Alliance members spread our #100daysToElectrify message, calling on the new European Commission to publish an Electrification Action Plan, within its first 100 days.

While the Electrification Alliance was in Strasbourg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen included a reference to an Electrification Action Plan in her Mission Letter to Energy Commissioner-Designate Dan Jørgensen!

Alliance members joined MEPs and European policymakers to discuss Europe’s electric future. Highlights included:

“We’re convinced that an Electrification Action Plan is the only way forward. We’re thrilled that European Commission President Urusla von der Leyen’s Mission Letter to Energy Commissioner-Designate Dan Jørgensen calls for this plan. Now, let’s see it published in the first 100 days!” – SolarPower Europe CEO Walburga Hemetsberger during the EEF dinner.

“We have to accelerate electrification across Europe. According to Agora Energiewende, by 2035, direct electrification could cover 90% of Europe’s untapped industrial energy demand.” – Iberdrola CEO Armando Martinez during the EEF dinner.

“Flexibility and electrification is the industry of the future…Increasing the pace of electrification is our only option.” – Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson during the EEF dinner.

“We need massive investments in our distribution and transmission grid. Despite the challenges we face, we are building the grid for the future.” – Elia Group’s a.i. CEO Catherine Vandenborre during the EEF dinner.

“If we look at decarbonisation and competitiveness, electrification is the missing link. We can leverage it for the benefit of European industry.” – Eurelectric Secretary-General, Kristian Ruby during the lunch with MEP Fuglsang.

“We need to deploy, electrify, and give opportunities to all — to include everyone in the energy transition ” – MEP Nicolás González Casares (S&D) during the lunch with MEP Fuglsang.

The main takeaway from all of our discussions in Strasbourg?

We need to accelerate electrification now to deliver a competitive, net-zero Europe.

We would like to say a big thank you to the European Energy Forum, MEP Niels Fuglsang, MEP and European Energy Forum President Tsvetelina Penkova, Director-General for Energy Ditte Juul Jorgensen, and all of our speakers and attendees, for dynamic discussions on electrification throughout the week.

There is no doubt that the EU policymakers support our call for an Electrification Action Plan and an electrified Europe.

Now, we need the new European Commission to publish this plan in its first 100 days

Read the Electrification Alliance’s recommendations for what this plan must include here.