European Parliament updates energy infrastructure rules

The European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy has approved proposed updates to the TEN-E regulation, which governs trans-European energy infrastructure such as pipelines and cables. The measure aims to strengthen energy security by improving cross-border connections and reducing bottlenecks to ensure a freer flow of energy across the European Union.

The updates seek to lower energy prices for households and businesses by supporting market integration and price stability. The new rules will introduce tools to systematically identify gaps in electricity and hydrogen networks, directing investments to critical areas. Additionally, the proposal aims to reduce bureaucracy by simplifying authorization processes for essential projects and requiring authorities to assess whether existing networks can be optimized through digital solutions or consumption measures before approving new physical infrastructure.

Further priorities include the timely integration of net-zero technologies and the protection of critical grid elements. The legislation also emphasizes the need for infrastructure to adapt to climate change through enhanced monitoring, control, and digitalization.