The EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) publishes today its Opinion on the key elements of the draft Ten Year Network Development Plans (TYNDP) Scenario Report (2022), drafted by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) and for Gas (ENTSOG).

What are ENTSO’s network development scenarios?

ENTSOs’ network development scenarios represent visions of potential future developments of energy system’s key aspects (e.g. demand, energy prices, technologies, etc.).

ENTSO-E and ENTSOG published their joint draft TYNDP 2022 Scenario Report on 11 April 2022.

ENTSOs’ network development scenarios play an important role in the definition of the pan-European network development plans for gas and electricity. They are also instrumental for selecting the Projects of Common Interest (PCIs). As such, it is essential to define trustworthy, transparent, realistic scenarios that are aligned with the European energy and climate objectives.

In particular, the scenarios described within the draft TYNDP Scenario Report will set the basis for the 2022 TYNDP for gas and electricity transmission networks, expected to be published later this year.

What are the Opinion’s main conclusions?

ACER publishes its Opinion on ENTSOs’ draft network development scenarios on a biennial basis.

In this year’s draft Report, ACER identified some key issues, namely:

• the absence of long term effects on the European energy markets caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine (e.g. effects on the gas prices, the location of gas sources, the speed-up of renewable energy sources (RES) intake, etc.),

• the (recurrent) lack of a common “slow economic development” scenario (describing how the energy system is to develop under less favourable economic conditions),

• the need to further clarify the connection between various scenarios (to enable a better understanding of diverse scenarios’ results).

ACER suggests that the diversity of scenarios should be better addressed in the new Scenario Guidelines.

However, ACER further notes the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine should be included in the analysis of ENTSOs’ final report for 2022, as it could have a significant effect on the 2022 TYNDPs and subsequent PCIs selection.

While recognising the tight timeline, ENTSOs are strongly encouraged to update at least one scenario:

• ENTSO-E should update at least the gas prices and RES integration levels considered into the analysis,

• ENTSOG should also consider the existing changes of gas sources and flows.

An amended set of scenarios should be made available for the 2022 TYNDPs as soon as possible. ACER is ready to engage and provide support to ensure these amendments can be applied in a timely manner.

Read more on ACER's Opinion.

Today, the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has submitted to the European Commission its revision of the Network Code for cybersecurity aspects of cross-border electricity flows. This cybersecurity network code aims to further contribute to maintaining the security and resilience of the electricity system across Europe.

The Agency, with the support of an expert group and extensive consultation, revised the proposal for a network code submitted by ENTSO-E and the EU DSO Entity in January 2022. The network operators’ proposal was based on the ACER Framework Guideline on sector-specific rules for cybersecurity aspects of cross-border electricity flows, which provided high-level principles for the development of an EU-wide binding network code.

The network code includes rules on various electricity cybersecurity-related aspects, such as:

• A common electricity cybersecurity framework aimed to standardise the measures in place to protect the EU electricity cyber perimeter;
• Governance of cybersecurity for the electricity sector;
• A comprehensive cross-border risk management process;
• Cybersecurity information sharing flows to ensure timely information and foster quick and coordinated reaction of relevant stakeholders;
• Rules on incident handling and crisis management;
• A cybersecurity exercise framework to enhance preparedness of all operators;
• Rules for the protection of information exchange;
• A framework for monitoring, benchmarking and reporting.

The main changes introduced by ACER’s review to the network operators’ proposal include:

• specifying the elements and principles to be included in terms, conditions and methodologies;
• elaborating on governance-related issues;
• introducing the legal basis to develop guidelines for the exchange of information;
• introducing the possibility for Member States to be exempted from provisions for national security reasons.

Additionally, ACER performed a thorough check of the provisions of the proposed Network Code to ensure its compatibility with the NIS Directive and the Risk Preparedness Regulation.

What are the next steps?

ACER has submitted the revised Network Code to the European Commission within the allowed time limit of six months. Next, the Commission will review the submitted Network Code and initiate its procedure for the adoption of delegated acts. When adopted by Member States, it becomes legally binding across the EU.

Access the Network Code on sector-specific rules for cybersecurity aspects of cross-border electricity flows (NCCS).

Find out more about ACER and Cybersecurity