EU targets 46% electricity share by 2040, faces criticism

The European Commission unveiled an electrification action plan on 17 July 2026, proposing that electricity provide 46 % of final energy consumption by 2040. The plan aims to boost EU competitiveness, accelerate decarbonisation and cut reliance on imported fossil fuels by promoting heat pumps, electric vehicles, batteries and other electric technologies across industry, transport and buildings. It also highlights the growing energy demand of data centres, proposing flexible, water‑efficient designs, a common EU assessment system and a methodology to evaluate flexibility potential by 2027.

Member states are divided over the target. Some diplomats called it an “inaccessible dream”, while Bloomberg‑NEF founder Michael Liebreich argued the goal is “mathematically unattainable”, citing the large shift required to heat‑pump and electric‑car adoption.

The plan will be reviewed in the fourth quarter of 2026 as part of the EU energy‑union package.