The European Commission has this week launched a public consultation on digitalizing the energy sector as part of the preparation of a Commission Action Plan on the Digitalization of the energy system, due for publication in the first semester of 2022. The consultation will run until 24 January 2022 and it is open for all interested parties from the digital and energy value chains and include Transmission System Operators, Distribution System Operators, IT suppliers, SMEs, aggregators, consumers, energy communities, appliance manufacturers, energy-intensive industries, building operators and car manufacturers.
The Action Plan should be seen in the context of the European Green Deal objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate-neutrality by 2050, as well as participating in Europe Fit for the Digital Age. The twin green and digital transition call for a better-functioning, smart, integrated and cleaner energy system, while guaranteeing affordable energy and a fair transition for all.
The digital transformation of the energy system brings multiple potential benefits, but it also brings its share of risks and challenges related to the specificities of the energy system. For example, how to mix legacy technologies with new and smart technologies, or how to address cybersecurity threats that might affect the energy supply as an essential service to society. An integrated EU policy response is required to ensure that investments in digital technologies in the energy system contribute to the Green Deal and to a Europe that is fit for the digital age. EU action should also ensure that digitalization of the energy system contributes to a well-functioning single market for goods and services related to energy and data.
Aimed at all stakeholders, consumer groups, academic and research institutions and interested individuals, the public consultation first focuses on existing examples of digitalization of energy in everyday life, consumer empowerment and citizen engagement in the energy transition. The second part of the questionnaire then looks at specific facets of digitalizing the energy system.
During the last month, the EC roadmap on the Digitalization of Energy Action Plan already received over 40 comments from companies and business associations like ENTSO-E, Westinghouse, Siemens, COGEN, E.ON, Eurelectric.