Study on the Central and South Eastern Europe energy connectivity cooperation on electricity grid development and renewables

The European Commission’s DG Energy commissioned us to co-lead a study on the Central and South-Eastern Europe energy connectivity cooperation (CESEC) on electricity grid development and renewables, together with TU Wien. The study has now been approved by the client. We implemented the study together with Consentec, REKK, Fraunhofer and SQ Consult.

The study shows the trends for the development of the electricity grid and renewables until 2050. This enables DG Energy and stakeholders to see where the promising projects are located. Moreover, it shows that a massive energy transition is envisaged in which renewables will dominate the power supply in the future. Building on this information, the study provides conclusions and recommendations to the European Commission and the relevant stakeholders.

Specifically, the study consists of several parts. The study first identified the highest-potential renewable energy zones with cross-border dimensions in Central and South-Eastern Europe. Thereafter, it identified the infrastructure and interconnection needs to ensure renewable energy sources integration in the CESEC region. This was done by using extensive modelling, including different scenarios. Then the study identified the technical, social, economic and legal barriers to implementing the deployment of renewable energy sources and cross-border cooperation in the region. A stakeholder consultation validated the results. Upon completion of these three parts, the conclusions and recommendations were drafted for the SESEC community. The image below visualises the various parts of the project.