Belgium’s Energy Minister, Tinne Van der Straeten, has voiced strong support for a European supergrid—a transformative infrastructure network designed to transmit renewable energy across borders, boosting both security and sustainability. Speaking at the Brussels launch of Supergrid Super Solution: A Handbook for Energy Independence and a Europe Free from Fossil Fuels, Van der Straeten underscored the need for Europe to be “more connected and resilient” to meet green energy goals.
The book, co-authored by the late Eddie O’Connor and Kevin O’Sullivan, Environment and Science Editor of The Irish Times, outlines a practical roadmap for transitioning Europe from fossil fuels to a zero-carbon economy. This latest edition comes as Europe faces heightened energy challenges and rising demand for renewable resources, accentuated by geopolitical conflicts and rising fuel costs.
Van der Straeten said, “A supergrid will not only unlock access to renewable energy but also ensure a more secure and stable energy supply across the continent.” This ambitious idea dovetails with Belgium’s priorities during its recent EU presidency, where building interconnected energy infrastructure was a central theme. The minister’s remarks highlight a vision for an integrated energy future, where access to affordable, clean energy is universal.
Alongside the supergrid initiative, Europe’s commitment to upgrading its existing grid is equally critical. The EU Grid Action Plan, published last year, targets nearly €600 billion in investments over the next six years. While this financial pledge is significant, achieving a clean energy future demands more than just capital—it requires unprecedented cross-border collaboration among sectors and stakeholders. Such cooperation is essential to meet rising levels of renewable energy deployment and to drive forward Europe’s decarbonization and economic growth targets.
Barry Andrews, MEP, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Supergrid Super Solution presents “a European solution to an international issue.” Despite complex political landscapes, Andrews expressed optimism about the European Commission’s increasing focus on investment in cross-border energy infrastructure, seeing this as a sign of Europe’s commitment to advancing the supergrid concept.
Lesley O’Connor, introducing the book, described the supergrid as “the internet for electrons,” drawing an analogy to the transformative power of the digital network we rely on today. She added, “If that’s the future you desire for yourself and your kids, it’s time to start making it a reality.” The supergrid concept, she argues, is the critical infrastructure necessary for an electrified, decarbonized Europe that can deliver clean energy at scale.
Kevin O’Sullivan, co-author of the handbook, sees a supergrid as not just a European ambition but a global one, with potential ripple effects on climate goals, energy access, and geopolitical stability. “If the Supergrid concept is adopted and pursued in Europe and across other continents, it will help accelerate global decarbonisation and be the platform to deliver cheap, clean energy for all global citizens,” he said.
Originally proposed by Eddie O’Connor two decades ago, the European supergrid vision has now gained urgency among EU leaders. For many, it represents a viable path to energy security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability amid the energy crisis. However, delivering this vision will also require robust logistical coordination across Europe. Ensuring that grid upgrades proceed seamlessly, while integrating an unprecedented volume of renewable energy, presents a colossal challenge that demands innovative solutions from Europe’s logistics sector. As the European energy landscape continues to evolve, Supergrid Super Solution offers timely insights and practical guidance for a continent—and a world—seeking to turn clean energy aspirations into a concrete reality.
