A new report by GLOBSEC reveals that several key European economies, including the Netherlands, Poland, and Romania, are lagging in their readiness for the green energy transition. The GLOBSEC Grid Transition Index 2024 ranks 35 European countries based on their ability to support renewable energy, highlighting concerns over the future stability of Europe’s electricity grids.

The Netherlands, despite its ambitious renewable energy goals, ranks 24th out of 25 EU countries, just ahead of Estonia. The Dutch grid is unprepared for the growing demand for clean energy, threatening its decarbonization plans with risks like rising electricity costs and frequent blackouts. Countries such as Estonia, Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania also rank low on the index and face significant challenges in modernizing their grid infrastructure, which could delay their transition to renewable energy.

Poland and Romania, ranked 21st and 20th respectively, rely on outdated grids and insufficient investment, putting them at risk of missing their 2030 renewable energy targets. While Romania’s fossil fuel-based system has helped maintain energy stability, both countries face long-term sustainability risks due to their outdated infrastructure and reliance on coal.

The report emphasises the need for immediate investment across the EU, with an estimated €584 billion required to modernize electricity grids by 2030. The report’s author, Ján Mykhalchyk Hradický, suggests that funding should come from EU recovery funds and carbon trading revenues, rather than passing the costs onto consumers, which could slow the clean energy transition.

The GLOBSEC report draws from over 3.5 million data points, offering a comprehensive assessment of Europe’s grid readiness and calling for urgent action to prevent delays in the green energy revolution.