European energy infrastructure has historically been shaped in large part by the need to import fossil fuels. This results in current energy security concerns. Long term decarbonisation implies deeper integration of the energy market and changes in terms of EU energy trading partners. There is a need to pivot towards infrastructure enabling the clean energy transition/net zero, both in the EU and in neighbouring countries as well as in cross border infrastructure. This may create new investment opportunities, but also carry energy security vulnerabilities.
This session will explore what these issues mean for investment in relation with the Southern and Eastern neighbourhood - including potentially in the future rebuilding of Ukraine. It will explore investment priorities, opportunities, and challenges in relation to creating the enabling infrastructure for the energy transition such as electricity grids, the swift integration of renewable energy sources and storage facilities, carbon capture networks, hydrogen pipelines and transport infrastructure. Given the different pace of transition and the future relative roles of elections and molecules in the economy, it will explore investment uncertainties and reflect to what extent "no regret" plans exist.
Moderation: Megan Richards, Senior Adviser, Rud Pedersen Public Affairs
Panellists:
• Eleni Charpantidou, Director of European and Regional Affairs branch (IPTO), Board member of ENTSO-E
• Christian Zinglersen, Director, Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)
• Leonardo Meeus, Director, Florence School of Regulation, European University Institute
Conclusion: Manuel Baritaud, Senior Economist, EIB
All deliberations will take place under the Chatham House rule (no views or positions may be attributed publicly to any participant).
This session is co-organised with the EIB, more information and the full programme of the EUI Climate Week 2024 can be found here.