Europe must invest heavily in new electricity grid connections to maintain its technological lead, EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger warns in the upcoming Wind Directions.

He believes Europe is currently not the best place to invest in renewables.

“Not Europe, but China and United States are currently the best investment locations for renewable energy”, the Commissioner writes.

Europe must “make use of its geographical advantages” – the abundant wind in the north and the sun in the south – and link them up to reduce costs and create and internal market, he says. This will make Europe more attractive to investors.

Networks are “the arteries of our energy system”, concludes the Commissioner. By investing in them, “we are investing in the economy and helping consumers”, as well as protecting Europe’s place at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.

This article will appear in March’s Wind Directions. Read the current issue.