The Energy Systems Integration in Europe – A Study of Barriers for the Development of Electricity Distribution Grids

Lukas Steiner

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Within the framework of the Green Deal, the European Union (EU) has launched a Strategy for Energy Systems Integration (ESI). This strategy is a key enabler for the achievement of a carbon neutral energy system. The electricity distribution grid is identified as the crucial bottleneck for ESI as it represents the fundamental infrastructure for connectivity within a renewable electricity-based energy system. The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether the current EU ESI legislative framework is conducive to the development needs at the electricity distribution level. The German electricity distribution grid is used as a case study. Based on a literature study, EU policy document analysis, and semi-structured expert and stakeholder interviews, major shortcomings in the applicable legislative framework are identified. This thesis points towards the need for a tighter governance framework for ESI at the EU level which improves upon existing provisions in three ways: First, the legislative framework for regulatory investment incentives should be tightened. Second, the EU should introduce harmonized definitions and minimum interoperability standards for the smart grid. Third, requirements for member states to facilitate cross-sectoral coordination for energy infrastructure planning via the definition of frameworks for coordination, should be extended to include all relevant stakeholders in the energy system.

Abstract:

Within the framework of the Green Deal, the European Union (EU) has launched a Strategy for Energy Systems Integration (ESI). This strategy is a key enabler for the achievement of a carbon neutral energy system. The electricity distribution grid is identified as the crucial bottleneck for ESI as it represents the fundamental infrastructure for connectivity within a renewable electricity-based energy system. The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether the current EU ESI legislative framework is conducive to the development needs at the electricity distribution level. The German electricity distribution grid is used as a case study. Based on a literature study, EU policy document analysis, and semi-structured expert and stakeholder interviews, major shortcomings in the applicable legislative framework are identified. This thesis points towards the need for a tighter governance framework for ESI at the EU level which improves upon existing provisions in three ways: First, the legislative framework for regulatory investment incentives should be tightened. Second, the EU should introduce harmonized definitions and minimum interoperability standards for the smart grid. Third, requirements for member states to facilitate cross-sectoral coordination for energy infrastructure planning via the definition of frameworks for coordination, should be extended to include all relevant stakeholders in the energy system.

Keywords

Energy Systems Integration, Green Deal, EU, Electricity, Infrastructure, Barriers

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 12. 9. 2022

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 1. 8. 2022
• Supervisor: Dr. Urszula Jaremba, MSc LLM
• Reader: Mgr. et Mgr. Veronika Zapletalová, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
International Territorial Studies / European Governance