INESC TEC contributed to European position paper calling for stronger FP10 support for energy systems

INESC TEC, together with 26 other organisations, published a position paper calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Member States to reinforce support for collaborative research, development and innovation (R&D&I) programmes focused on power system components and grid optimisation technologies. The position paper Securing Europe’s Electrified Future through RD&I in Electric Power System Components is available as an open-access publication (here) and has been endorsed by the EERA Joint Programme Smart Grids, featuring INESC TEC is a member.

The publication comes in response to growing electricity demand, the climate-related, security and geopolitical challenges facing Europe, the need to expand and modernise power grids, and the ongoing discussions surrounding the EU’s next Framework Programme, FP10.

The paper highlights the strategic role of grid technologies and power system components in advancing decarbonisation, strengthening industrial competitiveness, enhancing energy security, and supporting Europe’s strategic autonomy.

Accordingly, the 27 organisations behind the document are calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Member States to ensure that, when shaping the next generation of industrial, energy and research policies (including FP10, the European Competitiveness Fund, the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal, and the European Grids Package), electric power system components and grid optimisation technologies are recognised as strategic priorities for targeted investment in research, development and innovation.

The growing importance of electrification within the European Union’s policy agenda has also been reinforced by the recent Electrify Now initiative, which aims to accelerate clean electrification across the transport, buildings and industrial sectors.

According to the paper, unless Europe accelerates R&D&I in power system components, the energy transition could slow down significantly, leaving the continent increasingly exposed to supply disruptions, technological dependencies and geopolitical risks.

Through this position paper, EERA sets out recommendations to help ensure that FP10 fulfils full potential. The priorities outlined in the document build on lessons learned from the previous Framework Programme, Horizon Europe, and reflect the need for a coherent, well-funded and future-ready research and innovation agenda.