The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) expects EU
electricity grid investment to continue rising through 2030, but warned project
delays and grid congestion could lift consumer costs. Of 18 countries submitting
forecasts, 15 expect 2030 investment to exceed 2025 levels; the Netherlands
projects nearly fivefold growth while Estonia, Latvia and Cyprus expect
declines. Industry estimates show consumers’ share of grid costs could increase
50–100% by 2050 versus today. ACER said higher investment demand will likely
raise network usage charges, with rising manufacturing input prices adding to
cost pressure. To meet climate targets, EU gas demand is projected to fall about
18% by 2030 versus 2025, reducing the user base for fixed pipeline costs and
putting further upward pressure on network fees.
