Europeanisation of the expansion of renewable energies
Against the backdrop of climate protection and an increasing focus on energy sovereignty and security of supply, the expansion of renewable energies is not only a national but also a European task. The regulations on which the energy systems of the EU member states are based are increasingly coordinated by EU requirements. This applies, for example, to the functioning of the energy market and to grid infrastructure, as well as to support schemes for renewable energies, for example to facilitate the development of a green hydrogen economy. Depending on the design and level of ambition, EU law can support or slow down the achievement of national energy and climate targets.
In addition, there are fundamentally new developments that could rebalance the relationship between the EU and the member states. Obligations to implement joint funding approaches, separate EU instruments to finance the expansion of renewable energies or discussions on inter-member state infrastructure are examples of these lines of development. In particular, offshore wind energy could become a blueprint for further developments. With developments such as cooperation between member states for better use of land, a North Sea network including new common market areas to be created, or jointly financed and operated artificial energy islands, ideas can be observed here that could radiate beyond this field of application and herald a new stage of development in the Europeanisation of the expansion of renewable energies.
Possible research approaches
- What are the rules for national or EU-controlled funding instruments as well as for cross-border cooperation between EU member states?
- What legal framework conditions are needed further to expand the cross-border meshing and planning of energy and especially electricity grids in Europe?
- What requirements and, in particular, leeway for national design does EU law contain for the expansion of renewable energies with regard to the planning, construction, operation, grid connection and promotion of renewable energy plants? Are the necessary infrastructures such as grids and storage systems also taken into account?
- How do the rules of the European energy market need to be developed further in order to enable a highly networked system based on renewable energies?