The Energy Union strategy and 2030 climate and energy framework with its ambitious decarbonisation objectives foresee a fundamental transformation of Europe's electricity system. The European economy will become increasingly dependent on electricity due to the progressing electrification of our society (increasing use of electricity in transport and heating)
The power sector plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the decarbonisation targets for the economy. The same time, our electricity markets are facing several challenges like: the transition towards a low carbon energy system, the cost-efficient integration of intermittent renewable energy, the phasing away from central conventional power plants to de-centralised renewable energy production, the active role and increased participation of energy consumers in electricity markets and the demanding task to safeguard security of supply in the short and long term in an efficient manner and at affordable costs. Along this principles the Commission will present legislative proposals by the end of 2016 on the new electricity market design rules and on risk preparedness in the area of security of electricity supply. The ministerial discussion will serve as political orientation for these initiatives.
Miguel Arias Cañete, Commissioner for climate and energy emphasised that the future electricity market should work in a flexible way, based on price signals, encouraging investments.
At the ministerial Meeting Hungary was represented by Mr. András Aradszki, Minister of State for Energy. He underlined that adequately interconnected European energy grid is essential for the energy security of Europe and further investments are required in order to reach this objective. Renewable energy sources play an important role in the energy supply and the new electricity market design could further facilitate the integration of renewables. However, due to the different regional characteristics they cannot represent the same share in the energy mix of each country.
