Energy
European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) JRC Ispra site (Italy)
In an era of geopolitical tension and the urgent need for an energy transition, securing a stable and sustainable energy supply is crucial for Europe. Natural gas remains a vital part of the EU’s energy mix, but its security is threatened by reliance on a few supplier countries. Addressing current and forthcoming energy challenges requires coordinated, cross-border efforts within the EU. The JRC provides expertise and tools to help Member States safeguard energy security and navigate the complexities of the current and future energy landscape.
energy challenges requires coordinated, cross-border efforts.Addressing current and forthcoming
The European Interconnection for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (EIRIE) platform unites the EU’s research and innovation community in smart energy systems and technologies, driving the energy transition and a low-carbon economy. As a central hub, EIRIE connects researchers, entrepreneurs, and Member States, fostering collaboration and innovation in smart grids, energy storage, and local energy systems. By doing so, it contributes to the EU’s goal of a carbon-free system by 2050, catalysing sustainable energy solutions in Europe.
The JRC’s high-resolution EU Energy Atlas is a powerful tool for policymakers and infrastructure planners. Zooming in on areas as small as 1x1 km, the Atlas provides detailed data on energy demand and explores scenarios up to 2050. This tool is essential for developing energy infrastructures that support the EU’s transition to climate neutrality.
For instance, the atlas reveals that natural gas is heavily consumed in urban areas such as Barcelona, which accounts for around 12% of Spain’s gas use. Similarly, oil and petroleum products are concentrated in areas near Rotterdam and Antwerp, which are critical hubs for refining and industrial processes. The atlas also highlights the consumption of energy along transport infrastructure, such as major road networks, and throughout industrial and urban areas across Europe.
These insights are vital for understanding current energy usage and planning for a future where energy demand aligns with decarbonisation goals. The atlas projects a decline in natural gas demand by 2050, indicating progress towards the EU’s climate neutrality targets and a shift towards low-carbon energy carriers.
The Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) provides information on solar radiation and photovoltaic system performance for any location in the world, except the North and South Poles.
Using satellite data and algorithms, this online tool estimates solar radiation and factors in cloud cover, temperature, and topography. This data supports solar energy projects’ feasibility assessments, from residential to commercial developments. It offers features for policymakers, researchers, and professionals, including maps, data, and PV system simulations. Users can also overlay additional data, such as land use and population density, to identify potential solar energy sites and inform sustainable energy policies.
By modelling the EU’s gas transmission network, including pipelines, storage facilities, and cross-border points, the JRC supports the development of Common Risk Assessments (CRA) as required by Regulation (EU) 2017/1938. These assessments enable Member States to design preventive measures to mitigate potential disruptions and decrease the impacts of crises.
As an example, in 2022, Germany, which is heavily dependent on imported natural gas, led the Baltic Sea Risk Group with the JRC’s support. The JRC developed crisis scenarios, including the possibility of a complete disruption of Russian gas imports. These insights were crucial in shaping Germany’s Preventive Action Plan and Emergency Plan, ensuring the country’s preparedness for energy crises. Additionally, the JRC collaborated with German authorities to design gas storage refilling curves for 2023, further enhancing energy security.
The 2022 energy crisis highlighted the need for robust preparedness across the EU. In response, the JRC conducted the first-ever EU-wide ‘dry run’ exercise during the winter of 2022-2023 at its site in Ispra, Italy, testing operational readiness for a complete disruption of Russian gas supplies. A second edition of the dry run took place in November 2024, with representatives from 24 Member States— using also a JRC-developed dashboard that consolidates data on the EU’s gas supply corridors and system constraints—, identifying gaps in the EU’s energy security framework and informing strategies to enhance resilience.
