On April 30, 2026, we brought together policymakers, system operators, researchers and industry leaders keen to shape Europe’s electrical future. The seminar, “Powering Energy Security and Growth: Electricity Grids as the Foundation of our Competitive Energy System,” brought together industry leaders, researchers, and infrastructure experts for a unique collaboration. Orchestrated by Etch and KBVE-SRBE, with the strong backing of ENTSO-E, the event picked up where last year’s conversations left off, diving straight into the most urgent issue on Europe’s energy agenda: the future of its electricity grids.
A System Under Pressure: Europe’s New Energy Reality
From the very start, speakers sent a powerful message: Europe’s electricity landscape is in the throes of transformation. As renewables surge and electrification spreads into every corner of our lives, demand for power is hitting new heights. The grid, once a silent supporter in the background, has emerged front and center as the linchpin of Europe’s energy ambitions.
At the same time, grid infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. Bottlenecks in grid capacity, lengthy planning stages, and investment uncertainty are no longer just technical headaches, they’re shaping the policies that impact industrial competitiveness and the energy security of millions. What was once an engineers’ debate is now a strategic priority.
Turning Policy into Action: Fresh Perspectives Across the Sector
As the afternoon unfolded, the seminar became a stage for diverse viewpoints from across the energy ecosystem. The International Energy Agency outlined how rapidly grid investment needs are growing globally, stressing that current investment levels must increase significantly to support electrification. ENTSO-E positioned electricity grids as strategic infrastructure and highlighted the role of long-term planning instruments such as the Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP).
From a research perspective, Dirk Van Hertem (KU Leuven/Etch) emphasised the need for forward-looking studies and innovation to support future grid architectures. Topics such as offshore grid development, HVDC systems and integrated system planning were identified as key building blocks of a resilient European energy system.
From Theory to Reality: Voices from the Front Lines
The seminar’s practical sessions brought the realities of grid management to life. TenneT illustrated how electrification and industrial growth are already pushing the Dutch grid to its limits. Elia addressed the Belgian context, highlighting increasing connection queues and the growing importance of flexibility to manage congestion.
From an industry perspective, VOKA underscored the direct impact of grid constraints on economic activity, with delayed connections and uncertainty becoming tangible barriers for companies.
CREG added the regulatory lens, pointing to the need for adapted financing frameworks and regulatory models capable of enabling the scale and speed of investment required.
A shared sense of urgency
Throughout every discussion, a clear message rang out: the pace of grid development must accelerate. This requires not only increased investment, but also faster permitting, better coordination across borders and regulatory frameworks that support timely decision-making. Strengthening Europe’s electrical backbone isn’t simply an expense, it’s an opportunity to cut costs, integrate energy markets, and supercharge competitiveness.
Exchange and dialogue at the core
Beyond the presentations, the seminar created space for open and constructive exchange. Interactive Q&A sessions and discussions allowed participants to challenge perspectives, compare national approaches and engage directly across sectors.
Facilitating this type of dialogue—connecting research, policy and industry—is central to Etch’s role as a competence hub for energy transmission. Bringing these perspectives together is essential to move from analysis to action.
Looking ahead
The seminar closed with a clear takeaway: electricity grids are the backbone of Europe’s energy transition. The speed and success of the energy transition will be defined by how swiftly grids evolve, and how boldly stakeholders act to build a brighter, more electrified tomorrow.
For Etch, the event reaffirmed the importance of creating a platform where stakeholders can align, exchange and accelerate solutions for future-proof electricity networks.
