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Expert Workshop: Industry in Transition – The role of electricity grids in decarbonising European industry

Organised within the framework of the PAC project, the workshop brought around 20 experts together to discuss the role of electricity grids to decarbonise the European industry. Through topical sessions, discussions tackled the need for grid and demand flexibility, as well as the potential benefits of a 24/7 Carbon Free Energy approach.

As efforts towards a decarbonised energy system intensify worldwide, different sectors will have important roles to play. In particular, the industrial sector can support the energy transition, including actions towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing incentives for renewable energy and grid infrastructure.

In this context, industrial decarbonisation strategies can vary in terms of ambition and technologies. However, electricity grids constitute the common denominator to a range of key strategies, essential for achieving deep decarbonisation in industry, which include direct electrification, flexibility, demand-side response as well and green hydrogen production.

Moreover, to achieve ambitious decarbonisation targets, different energy-intensive consumers have committed to procuring energy through a granular approach in terms of time and space, utilising the 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) framework.

Additionally, transmission system operators possess an essential role in the implementation of 24/7 CFE. At the same time, the deep decarbonisation of large-energy consumers requires both adequate and flexible physical and digital infrastructure, as well as supportive regulatory frameworks.

Workshop goals and outcomes

With a view to inspire and share learnings, under the Paris Agreement Compatible (PAC) Scenario project’s umbrella, RGI organised an expert workshop to facilitate the exchange on aforementioned topics on 8 November 2023.

During the workshop, different experts - including representatives of Transmission System Operators, NGOs, governments, research and innovation centres - shared their insights on the pivotal role of electricity grids in supporting the decarbonisation of European industry.

Among other topics, the sessions focused on policy requirements and opportunities, how a 24/7 CFE approach can benefit the decarbonisation of industry, and technological challenges and solutions within this process. At the same time, the event also enhanced the collective understanding, expertise, and collaboration around this key topic.

Stay tuned for further developments on this topic and the speakers' presentations!

Related activities

Participant organisations

  • 50Hertz
  • Bellona Europe
  • BreakthroughEnergy
  • E3G
  • EnergyTag
  • 50Hertz
  • Hitachi Energy
  • ZERO
  • CAN Europe
  • Environmental European Bureau (EEB)
  • Eurelectric
  • Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
  • Renewables Grid Initiative
  • Statnett
  • TenneT
  • EASE

Agenda

10:00 – 10:15

Welcome, agenda and the workshop’s objectives (RGI)

Session 1: Understanding the industrial decarbonisation pathways and the required infrastructure

10:15 – 10:35

Industry decarbonisation progress to achieve the Paris Agreement objectives
Joni KARJALAINEN (CAN Europe)

10:35 – 10:55

Decarbonisation strategies for large industrial users through direct electrification
Alexandre OUDALOV (Hitachi Energy)

10:55 – 11:15

Elia Group’s Decarbonisation of industry study
Maria JAROLIN and Benjamin DE BOISSEZON (50Hertz)

11:15 – 11:45

Discussion 

11:45 – 12:00

Coffee Break 

Session 2: Industrial decarbonisation in practice – enabling approaches and system impacts

12:00 – 12:20

Driving clean electrification with 24/7 clean power procurement
Killian DALY (EnergyTag)

12:20 – 12:40

The ValueFlex Tool for unlocking industrial flexibility
Heleen GROENENBERG (TenneT)

12:40 – 13:00

Granular certificates with Energy Track&Trace
Marius KLEMM (50Hertz)

13:00 – 13:30

Discussion 

13:30 – 14:30

Lunch Break

Session 3: Technology unlocked – navigating through regulations for strategic technologies, innovation, and investments

14:30 – 14:50

Focusing on efficiency: the importance of consistent regulations for the industrial transformation
Riccardo NIGRO (European Environmental Bureau)

14:50 – 15:10

Enabling innovative power grid technologies and investments
Alberto TORIL (Breakthrough Energy)

15:10 – 15:40

Discussion 

15:40 – 16:00

Wrap-up and Final remarks (RGI)

Presentations

Joni Karjalainen, CAN Europe

Alexandre Oudalov, Hitachi Energy

Benjamin De Boissezon, 50Hertz

 

Killian Daly, EnergyTag

Heleen Groenenberg, Tennet

 

Marius Klemm, 50Hertz

 

Alberto Toril, Breakthrough Energy

Photos

Contact

Morjana Moreira dos Anjos
Renewables Grid Initiative

+49 30 2332 11000
morjana@renewables-grid.eu

Morjana Moreira dos Anjos
Renewables Grid Initiative

Load more
t: +49 30 2332 11000
morjana[at]renewables-grid.eu

Alexandros Fakas Kakouris
Renewables Grid Initiative

t: +49 30 2332 11021
alexandros@renewables-grid.eu

Dr. Andrzej Ceglarz
Renewables Grid Initiative

t: +49 30 233211014
andrzej@renewables-grid.eu