Consistency of National and EU-wide Network Development Plans

Development of the electricity transmission networks is crucial for market integration, security of supply and sustainability in Europe. The EU-wide Network Development Plan (EU TYNDP) developed by ENTSO-E is a major tool for coordinated and efficient network planning. However, given its non-binding nature, the TYNDP implementation strongly depends on National Development Plans (NDP).

This highlights the need for an efficient two-way interaction between the NDPs and the TYNDP.​

ACER assesses the consistency of the NDPs with the EU TYNDP. In case ACER identifies inconsistencies between the two, ACER recommends appropriate amendments. 

As the EU accelerates its transition to renewable energy, electricity networks must keep pace with rising demand, decentralised generation and growing cross-border flows. Strategic grid investments play an important role in supporting this transition and ensuring a reliable and efficient energy system. 

What trends has ACER identified?

In its latest Opinion (July 2025), ACER highlights:

• Improved alignment in electricity network planning: Member States contributed to this progress by strengthening the role of national regulators, expanding public consultations, better synchronising the timing of their national plans with the EU TYNDP, and adopting scenarios similar to those in the EU plan.
• Remaining inconsistencies: Despite these improvements, significant differences remain between national and European planning efforts. These include misaligned planning cycles, TYNDP projects not reflected in corresponding national plans, and limited data transparency, all of which may hinder efficient and coordinated grid development. 

What does ACER recommend?

To further improve consistency, ACER suggests that entities responsible for NDPs: 

• Align national and EU planning cycles on a two-year basis.
• Improve coordination between transmission and distribution system operators.
• Strengthen the role of national regulators by granting them formal approval rights over draft NDPs.
• Consult publicly on early versions of NDPs and conduct more targeted consultations on planning scenarios and cost-benefit analyses.
• Increase transparency around project investment costs.
• Include projects not managed by TSOs in the planning process, while ensuring proper national regulatory oversight.