Physical infrastructure: Power grids modernisation and expansion

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Dedicated studies on optimised demand-based charging networks for long-haul electric trucking are being developed in multiple regions. Heavy-duty trucks can make use of megawatt-scale charging systems. Alignment with grid development plans are crucial to ensuring that the grid reinforcement needed to connect megawatt-scale charging systems does not become a bottleneck.

Examples and initiatives

In 2024, the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation, in collaboration with Amazon, carried out a pan-European analysis that identified truck traffic routes and range-based charging needs. This exhaustive geo-analysis guides charging station operators to smartly deploy their systems and serves as a key reference for electricity system operators in considering the necessary reinforcements in the power grids.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

The timely deployment of the necessary technology and infrastructure at ports (i.e., grid infrastructure for electrification and sustainable fuel terminals), on ships, and in fuel manufacturing is also important in enabling the adoption of renewable-based fuels. These fuels all have different infrastructure needs, a fact that must be considered when evaluating decarbonisation strategies.

Examples and initiatives

The province of British Columbia, Canada, aims to streamline permitting the North Coast Transmission Line and other high-voltage electricity transmission projects to support the growing need for electricity in the province, including for ports.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Electricity grids need to be reinforced and extended for e-fuel production, and in some instances new grids or interconnections with other grids and regions are required. Advanced planning and upfront investments in grids can accelerate the pace of transition while reducing energy costs for consumers.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

As the electricity demand from industrial applications increases, the electricity grids need to be reinforced and extended and, in some instances, new grids or interconnections with other grids and regions are required. Advanced planning and upfront investments in grids can accelerate the pace of transition while reducing energy costs for consumers.

Examples and initiatives

The EU has established a set of actions to accelerate the rollout of its electricity grids (European Commission, 2023b).

The Canadian province of Ontario has approved the building of transmission lines to support the production of green steel via electric arc furnaces at Algoma Steel’s site in Sault Ste. Marie (Government of Ontario, 2023).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

As the electricity demand from industrial applications increases, the electricity grids need to be reinforced and extended and, in some instances, new grids or interconnections with other grids and regions are required. Advanced planning and upfront investments in grids can accelerate the pace of transition while reducing energy costs for consumers.

Examples and initiatives

As part of its new grid action plan, the EU has established a set of actions to accelerate the rollout of its electricity grids (European Commission, 2023b).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

As the electricity demand from industrial applications increases, the electricity grids need to be reinforced and extended and, in some instances, new grids or interconnections with other grids and regions are required. Advanced planning and upfront investments in grids can accelerate the pace of transition while reducing energy costs for consumers.

Examples and initiatives

As part of its new grid action plan, the EU has established a set of actions to accelerate the rollout of its electricity grids (European Commission, 2023b).