GIGA launches in Brussels with first policy discussion on Europe’s electricity grids
To mark the launch of the Green Industrial Grids Association, we brought together policymakers, regulators and industry representatives in Brussels on 27 January for our first public event, marking the start of GIGA’s engagement in the European grid policy debate.
Hosted in the heart of the EU quarter, the event provided a forum for a solutions-focused discussion on how Europe’s electricity grids must evolve to meet rising demand and support the EU’s climate and competitiveness objectives, in the context of the recently published European Grids Package.
A timely discussion on grid reform
As electrification accelerates across Europe’s economy, electricity grids are increasingly emerging as a key constraint on investment, decarbonisation and growth. Against this backdrop, we focused the discussions on practical challenges and implementation questions now facing policymakers, regulators and system operators.
Three moderated fireside discussions explored priority issues for grid reform, including:
- how to move towards readiness-based approaches to grid connections
- how to enable flexible connections while maintaining access to firm power
- how to unlock third-party investment in grid infrastructure, with appropriate safeguards
The discussions highlighted the importance of aligning grid planning, connection processes and investment frameworks with future demand, and of ensuring that reforms translate into faster and more predictable outcomes on the ground.
Bringing together policymakers, regulators and industry
The event brought together a broad range of stakeholders from EU and national institutions, regulators, system operators, think tanks and industry.
Speakers included:
- Bruno Tobback, Member of the European Parliament (S&D)
- Matt Ersin, Senior Director at Fastned and Chair of GIGA
- Pamela MacDougall, Head of Energy Markets & Regulation at Amazon and Vice-Chair of GIGA
- Nick Keramidas, General Manager, European Affairs & Regulatory Advocacy at Metlen Energy & Metals
- Uroš Salobir, Chair of the Research, Development and Innovation Committee at ENTSO-E
- Josep María Salas, Director at the Spanish regulator CNMC and Member of the Board of Regulators at ACER
- Frauke Thies, Co-Director Europe at Agora Energiewende
The exchanges underscored the value of dialogue across the electricity system, and the need to bring practical, user-driven perspectives into discussions on grid access, planning and investment.
Next steps
The launch event marked the first step in GIGA’s work to contribute constructively to Europe’s grid reform agenda. Building on this initial discussion, we will continue to engage with policymakers, regulators and system operators as work on the Grids Package and related initiatives progresses.
Further updates on our activities and policy engagement will be shared through our website and channels in the coming months.
