EU Parliament Backs Smarter Energy Networks

The European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee has backed changes to EU rules governing cross-border energy infrastructure, aiming to strengthen energy security, improve market integration and help reduce electricity prices for households and businesses.

The proposed update to the trans-European energy networks regulation would give the European Commission a stronger role in developing shared energy scenarios and require more consistent data for infrastructure planning. It would also introduce tools to identify gaps in electricity and hydrogen networks and direct investment toward areas of greatest need.

The amendments seek to streamline permitting for priority projects while requiring authorities to consider whether existing networks, digital systems or demand-side measures could address identified needs before approving new physical infrastructure. They also expand infrastructure priorities to include climate adaptation, network protection, monitoring and digitalisation.

The committee adopted the draft report by 56 votes to 10, with nine abstentions. It also voted 61 to six, with eight abstentions, to seek negotiations with the Council on the final legislation, subject to approval by the full Parliament. Lead MEP Tsvetelina Penkova said the revised rules could help narrow electricity price differences between EU regions and improve security of supply.