Energy-intensive industries in Europe have called on the European Commission to prioritize competitive electricity prices and investment support in the upcoming EU Electrification Action Plan (EAP), warning that persistently high energy costs threaten industry competitiveness and decarbonisation efforts.
In a joint position paper, industry groups representing sectors such as steel, chemicals, metals, cement and paper said, that the EU's economic and energy prospects put investment in industrial electrification at serious risk unless electricity prices are reduced.
Industry groups including EUROFER and European Metals said the Electrification Action Plan should first focus on restoring competitive electricity prices for industrial users. According to the position paper, lowering energy costs is essential to maintaining Europe's industrial base while maintaining climate neutrality.
Accelerating electrification and energy integration
In addition to lowering energy costs, industry groups recommend several structural measures, including creating a better environment for investment in industrial electrification, accelerating the development of the EU single energy market, expanding cross-border electricity connections and increasing system flexibility through renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
They argue that increasing flexibility and strengthening cross-border electricity trading can help reduce energy consumption
