WG1 will explore the means and needs for investment in a more efficient, inclusive, sustainable and future oriented EU energy mix which supports the achievement of the EU’s 2030’s climate and energy targets and the goal of climate neutrality by 2050. WG1 participants will have the opportunity to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of existing financing schemes, barriers to investment as well as the needs for new types of instruments going forward that can more effectively address the risks faced by companies and investors.
The discussions will reflect the specifics of different types of energy sources for electricity generation such as solar, on-shore and off-shore wind, hydro, ocean, geothermal, production of biomass and decarbonised gas (hydrogen, e-gas and biomethane) as well as gaseous fuels and nuclear to the extent needed for transition purposes.
Key context and elements for discussion
The discussions in this Working Group will, amongst others, take into account the following elements:
EU Policy developments – implications for investment
- Fit for 55 package and REPowerEU joint action for investment given the set targets for biomethane, hydrogen, solar and wind energy
- Upcoming EC Communication on solar energy for investment
- Upcoming EC guidance on accelerating permitting processes for renewable energy projects and facilitating Power Purchase Agreements
- Upcoming Action Plan for Digitalisation of the Energy Sector
- Upcoming revisions of the ETS system and the proposal for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
- EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance
Current and future financial instruments and investment schemes
- Trends in the availability and effectiveness of financial instruments and investment schemes within the EU
- The role of public and private sector investment
- Barriers to investment across the EU Member States
- Innovative solutions to addressing investment gaps and needs
Business / Markets developments - implications for investment
- The role of gaseous fuels in the future energy mix
- Nuclear energy – best-available existing technologies (“Generation III+”), modifications and upgrades of existing installations and advanced technologies with closed fuel cycle (“Generation IV”)
- Baseload from renewables
- Business model disruption of utilities
- New project financing models (e.g. Power & Heat Purchase Agreements)
These topics are meant to constitute the background for the WG’s discussion. The list is not exhaustive and will be subject to changes depending on the latest policy, market, geopolitical developments as well as contributions and suggestions from the members of the group.
In addition, the participants of the Working Groups will have the opportunity to discuss other crosscutting topics, including:
EU Policy developments - implications for investment
- Implications of the REPowerEU Join action for investment
- Implications of the EC Communication on energy prices
- Implications of the EC Action plan on the digitalisation of the energy sector
- Implications of the EC European Strategic Energy Technology Plan
- Implications of the EC State of the Energy Union 2022 report for investment
- Implications of the EC Progress Report on the Competitiveness of clean energy technologies
- 2020 NECPs assessment and upcoming revision of the plans in 2023
- Progress and implications of the Circular Economy package
Current and future financial instruments and investment schemes
- Implications of the EU taxonomy for energy sector investment
Business / Markets developments - implications for investment
- Evolutions of business cases in light of the carbon price developments (in particular in view of the proposed revision of the ETS system and proposal for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)