In 2024, renewables accounted for 47.5% of the gross electricity consumed in the EU, up from 28.6% in 2014 (source: Eurostat). Despite this, electricity represents only 23% of final energy consumption. This must grow to meet the EU’s climate targets, reinforce efficiency by integrating the energy system and bringing the benefits of clean energy to consumers.
EU Electrification Action Plan
The Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan introduced a key performance indicator on the share of electricity in final energy consumption, setting 32% by 2030 as reference, and announced the Electrification Action Plan. Foreseen for early 2026, it will speed-up the cost-effective and system-friendly electrification of the EU’s energy consumption in transport, industry and buildings, accompanied by continuous investments in clean energy and flexibility.
To support the preparation of the action plan, the Commission launched a call for evidence and a public consultation from 28 August until 9 October and 20 November 2025 respectively. The consultation aimed to collect feedback on the role of electrification in the transport sector, industry and buildings, on key barriers and on policy areas where action is needed to accelerate the transition. In addition, the Commission organised a stakeholder event on the Electrification Action Plan and the Heating and Cooling Strategy in November 2025.
Electrification of transport
Transport is responsible for around 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions and about 90 - 95% of the energy consumed in the transport sector comes from fossil fuels.
Road transport represents by far the largest share of this consumption, followed by aviation and maritime.
The electrification of transport is a good example of the potential for energy system integration. Electric vehicles (EVs) connect the transport and power sectors, but also buildings, where the charging points are often located.
In particular, smart charging, allowing EVs to charge at the best time, not only helps reduce grid congestion, but also contributes to the wider use of renewable electricity and lower charging costs for consumers. Indeed, charging can be done at whatever time of day or night electricity prices are lowest or when renewable production is abundant.
Bi-directional charging allows EVs to act as distributed energy storage, feeding power back into the grid during peak demand or low renewable production. This enhances grid resilience, supports decarbonisation, and offers cost-saving opportunities for EV owners, accelerating the clean energy transition and serving as an example of the flexibility required by an integrated energy system.
The electrification of ports also has an important role to play on the path to decarbonisation. In September 2024, the Commission published a report 'Port electricity commercial model (project pilot)' with the primary objective of offering pivotal insights and guidance to decarbonise European ports.
Related links
- Energy system integration
- News: Have your say on the EU’s Electrification Action Plan and the Heating and Cooling Strategy (28/8/2025)
- News: Renewable Energy Directive – Commission guidance on battery-related data sharing (25/7/2025)
- Report: Port electricity commercial model (project pilot) (September 2024)