Seminar: Powering Energy Security and Growth: Electricity grids as the foundation of our competitive energy system.

Across Europe, renewable generation is expanding rapidly, electrification is accelerating in transport, industry and heating, and electricity demand is rising. Yet the infrastructure that must connect these developments - the electricity grid - is under growing pressure. Grid capacity, planning timelines, and investment cycles are becoming decisive factors for energy security, economic competitiveness and the pace of the transition.

This makes electricity networks one of the most strategic topics in today’s energy debate.

Following the strong interest in our 2024 seminar on the EU Grid Action Plan, this new edition continues the dialogue on one of the most critical infrastructure challenges facing Europe. The previous seminar brought together key voices from across the energy ecosystem, including representatives from the International Energy Agency, the European Commission, the Belgian Federal Ministry of Energy, ENTSO-E, the EU DSO Entity, CREG, Synergrid, Elia and Febeliec, creating a valuable exchange between policymakers, system operators and industry stakeholders.

What has changed since 2024 and what’s in it for you?

By attending this seminar, you will gain a clearer understanding of how grid development is evolving across Europe and what it means for policymakers, system operators, industry and infrastructure stakeholders. The seminar will explore how grid investments enable renewable integration, how policy and regulation are adapting, and how infrastructure planning must evolve to support a competitive and secure energy system.

Electricity grids are increasingly recognised as the backbone of the energy transition. Without timely grid investments and coordinated planning, the integration of renewable energy, electrification of industry and the stability of the energy system will face significant constraints. At the same time, strengthening the grid can unlock lower system costs, improve market integration and support Europe’s long-term competitiveness.

We are pleased to invite you to “Powering Energy Security and Growth: Electricity grids as the foundation of our competitive energy system”, a high-level seminar organised by KBVE-SRBE and Etch in cooperation with ENTSO-E, bringing together subject matter experts, policymakers and industry representatives to exchange insights on the future of Europe’s electricity networks.

The seminar will be chaired by Dr Jan Declercq (KBVE-SRBE) and Prof Dr Dirk Van Hertem (KU Leuven/Etch/EnergyVille) and will feature a series of expert contributions from organisations including IEA, ENTSO-E, KU Leuven, TenneT, Elia, VOKA and CREG.

Who should attend

This seminar is particularly relevant for policymakers, regulators, transmission and distribution system operators, energy companies, industrial electricity users, technology providers, engineering companies, universities, research institutes and stakeholders involved in the development of Europe’s energy infrastructure.

If electricity infrastructure, energy policy or industrial electrification is part of your responsibility today—or a strategic concern for the years ahead—this seminar will provide valuable perspectives to help navigate the next phase of the energy transition.

What you can expect

• A clear view on why grid investments have become a strategic priority for energy security and competitiveness
• Insights into European and international developments shaping grid expansion
• The balance between long-term infrastructure planning and immediate solutions
• A practical understanding of grid congestion and its impact on industry and growth
• Perspectives on how financing and regulatory frameworks must evolve to enable acceleration

The programme is currently being finalised, with a strong focus on high-level insights and meaningful exchange between policymakers, system operators and industry stakeholders.

Reserve your seat today

Seats are limited and reserved for senior professionals and executives. 

We look forward to welcoming you to this forward-looking exchange at the intersection of energy, infrastructure and policy.