EU wants to save 260 billion euros per year thanks to higher electrification

The European Commission presented an Action Plan for electrification together with a revision of the ETS. The main ambition is to double the share of electricity in final energy consumption from today's 23 % to 46 % by 2040.

Why the Commission is doing it right now:

- the share of electricity has barely moved in the last ten years

- dependence on imported fossil fuels repeatedly exposes the EU to geopolitical shocks — since the start of the current conflict in the Middle East it has meant over €50 billion extra for imports

- achieving the 46 % target would reduce the fossil fuel import bill by €260 billion per year

The motivation is therefore not primarily climatic but security and economic. Commissioner Dan Jørgensen framed it as an ambition to make Europe the first "electro‑continent".

Three barriers the plan aims to remove:

1) Price of electricity versus gas. Network fees make up about a quarter of households' bills — a proposal is being prepared for more flexible fees and the possibility of lower taxation on electricity than on gas.

2) Long connection lead times to the grid and better utilization of existing infrastructure through smart grids, electricity meters and data.

3) Scaling technologies — the goal to double heat‑pump installations by 2030, accelerate charging for heavy‑duty trucks and support the electrification of industry.

It also includes the "human" side: portability of qualifications across the EU for electricians and plumbers, incentives for their training, and the new Construction Services Act simplifying certifications.

The plan fits the same logic as the concurrent ETS revision — easing pressure on prices and competitiveness, while maintaining the direction toward decarbonisation. Here specifically by turning electrification into a tool for energy independence, not just a climate goal.

Question for discussion: is 46 % by 2040 realistic, when the share hasn't moved in the last ten years? The key will be whether we can bring down the price of electricity relative to gas — without that the target will remain on paper.