A new report warns that Europe’s electricity grids are failing to keep pace with the clean energy transition, leaving 1,700 gigawatts of renewable capacity stuck in connection queues.
The study, presented by Beyond Fossil Fuels in collaboration with E3G, Ember, and IEEFA, analyzed 32 transmission system operators (TSOs) across 28 countries.
It found that grid constraints blocked renewable projects worth €7.2 billion in 2024, undermining investments and prolonging reliance on fossil fuels.
Campaigner Juliet Phillips said Europe needs a “great grid build-out” to unlock homegrown renewables, strengthen energy security, and drive economic growth.
Despite climate goals, most TSOs still forecast gas in their long-term plans, with only five modeling a fully renewable system by 2035.
The report urges governments to align TSO mandates with climate targets and establish independent public bodies for grid planning.
Examples highlighted include the UK’s National Energy System Operator, Poland’s 2024 tariff reforms, and Denmark’s inclusion of 550 organizations in grid balancing.
Analysts stress the need to prioritize connecting existing renewables, expand storage, and adopt flexible demand management.
Without urgent grid expansion, the report warns, Europe risks missing its 2030 climate targets and remaining vulnerable to fossil fuel dependence.