M. Manousakis' speech at the General Assembly of ENTSO-E

The need for Europe's operators to plan horizontal and vertical electricity transmission corridors at a pan-European level was highlighted by the Chairman and CEO of IPTO, Mr. Manos Manousakis, at the General Assembly of ENTSO-E, that took place in Athens.

“We need at least three vertical corridors – between the North and the South – and two horizontal corridors – between the East and the West in order to develop a core integrated EU system," he said, aading that these corridors will allow sending increasing amounts of renewable energy between different time zones, between regions with different seasonal needs, and between geographies with different potential.

Mr. Manousakis' full speech:

Esteemed colleagues,

It is an honor and a pleasure to welcome you all in Athens for the General Assembly of ENTSO-E.

Yesterday we celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Association, reflecting on our collective achievements and the challenges that lie ahead.

Our shared goal is to ensure a sustainable, safe, and climate proof future for Europe.

In a special report last October, the International Energy Agency shed light on the urgent upgrades required to physical infrastructure but also to the way grids are planned and managed.

A few weeks ago, the World Bank came out with a report underscoring the pivotal role of TSOs and DSOs in achieving the global energy transition and universal access goals.

The message is clearer than ever: There can be no transition without transmission.

We need more grids to take full advantage of green energy and to boost our energy security.

And we need them now.

To get there

Step number one is to bring planning up to date, as the International Energy Agency puts it.

Back in January I was in Brussels at the launch of the Offshore Network Development Plans a very timely event, I must say.

Reflecting on the productive discussions there, I believe, the time has come that we, European TSOs, plan together vertical and horizontal electricity transmission corridors across Europe.

We need at least three vertical corridors – between the North and the South – and two horizontal corridors – between the East and the West in order to develop a core integrated EU system.

Such corridors will allow sending increasing amounts of renewable energy between different time zones, between regions with different seasonal needs, and between geographies with different potential.

To build an EU grid, we need to think in EU terms.

We need a dedicated EU strategy that gives clear guidance and fit-for-purpose tools to design and deliver these trans-continental interconnections.

As a project promoter, we at IPTO acknowledge the value of breaking down silos and working closely together so as to plan and deliver complex transmission projects that can add value to Europe as whole.

The work on the Offshore Network Development Plans represents an excellent example of how to think of and design the integrated electricity system of the future.

In a world of conflict and rising geo-economic tensions events like the very successful High-Level Forum on Electricity Grids organized by ENTSO-E last September in Brussels must take place at least once a year as an opportunity to take stock of the progress made and navigate together turbulent and uncharted waters to make sure our energy system becomes greener, more secure, more integrated more resilient.

And, as the event clearly showed, everybody needs to do their part Policymakers, regulators, and financiers need to support us by reducing red tape to overcome manufacturing shortages secure and mobilize the necessary financial capabilities

From our side, the TSOs, we must improve operational practices and embrace new technologies to build trust and attract investments.

Closing, I am certain that the discussions of the General Assembly will be substantial and meaningful.

As IPTO we are committed to working with you all to promote the policies, investments, and collaborations that will allow us to harness Europe’s huge renewables potential and enhance the energy security in our continent and beyond.

Thank you for your attention.