The European grid needs “essential” upgrading and expansion if it is to cost-effectively absorb the rising volumes of renewable energy production that will carry the bloc toward reaching its 2030 installation targets, WindEurope will today tell delegates at a conference in Brussels.

The industry advocacy body will outline the “three things” that together will deliver an “adequate grid in Europe and further reduce system costs”: closer cooperation among renewable energy producers and grid operators; prioritisation of electricity grids over gas grids; and “fixing” the software of power markets so that wind and solar plants are paid for “grid support services” – where generators that ramp up and down supply according to demand are compensated.