The analysis report focuses on the potential challenges and risks related to electricity supply in Europe, particularly in France, over the next decade. The report highlights the significant impact of upcoming shutdowns of controllable power plants, mainly those powered by coal or nuclear energy, which could exacerbate these concerns.
The main objectives of the report are:
- To provide insights into how to understand the evolution of these failure risks and engage appropriate policies in time.
- To outline ambitious renewable energy development goals that are currently being pursued but lack adequate solutions for demand management, storage capacity, flexibility, and integration into the grid.
- To emphasize the uncertain ability to ensure current supply security standards during periods of tension, necessitating the development of flexible and storage solutions.
- To address the interconnected European electricity systems and their role in determining supply security.
The report further discusses the challenges posed by the lack of political coordination among European countries regarding these issues. It suggests that while the new legislative package in Europe constitutes progress, it is insufficient to trigger the necessary economic signals for securing supply through investments.
Key recommendations include:
- Developing strategies to address the challenges of short-term crises, mid-term mix evolutions, and long-term energy security in the context of the energy transition.
- Focusing on the adequacy of demand and supply in the medium term, considering the increasing role of electricity in energy needs.
- Improving coordination between EU member states in choosing their energy mixes and enhancing their political cooperation.
- Recommending a series of policy measures to ensure secure electricity supply within the EU.
The report also delves into the specifics of electricity supply capacities in France and neighboring European countries from 2020 to 2035, based on scenarios of power plant shutdowns. It concludes with a critical evaluation of the existing coordination mechanisms and proposes policy recommendations for addressing the growing demand for electricity and ensuring secure electricity supply within the EU.
