ETIP-SNET vision 2050 - Integrating smart networks for the energy transition

Since 2014, the European Union’s strategy is clearly formulated: we need to drive a clean, secure and efficient energy transition to face climate and energy challenges. It is reinforced by the strong commitment of the European Union to the 2015 Paris Agreement. Therefore, in November 2016, the Commission proposed an ambitious “Clean Energy for All Europeans” package. Therein, all relevant meetings, summits and measures started from a simple observation: “It is in everyone’s long-term interest to have a rapid and orderly transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable and less carbon intensive energy future.” However, this apparently simple observation requires us to consider numerous challenges: i) Moving towards a low carbon energy sector; ii) Creating a pan European integrated energy system and iii) Mobilizing public and private sectors by iv) Maintaining and extending Europe’s industrial leadership. The European Commission is working on the long-term vision where all these multidimensional challenges would be addressed by a single coherent plan.This paper describes the Vision 2050, as elaborated by the European Technology and Innovation Platform of Smart Networks for Energy Transition (ETIP SNET), which gathered research and industry experts, European and National public authorities, European associations and other relevant actors from the energy sector to tackle the key aspects of this very complex challenge.