Kelly Appointed to Key Energy Report on Electricity Grids

Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, has been appointed to the European Parliament’s Energy Committee report on electricity grids, a critical policy file that will shape the future of Europe’s energy infrastructure.

“We cannot talk about competitiveness, energy security, or achieving net zero without addressing the urgent need to expand and modernise our electricity grids,” Kelly stated. “Europe’s energy transition depends on a grid that is fit for purpose—right now, it simply isn’t.”

Kelly stressed that outdated infrastructure, regulatory delays, and slow permitting processes are holding back progress. “Too much time is being lost in bureaucracy. We have the technology, we have the investment, but we need political will to break through the barriers slowing down critical projects.”

Highlighting the economic stakes, Kelly called for decisive action. “Without a strong grid, businesses will struggle with high energy costs, and our climate goals will slip out of reach. We need to accelerate interconnection, storage solutions, and smart grid technologies to maximise efficiency.”

Kelly also warned against complacency. “The European Commission’s Grid Action Plan set out the right priorities, but strategies on paper are meaningless without real implementation. We need to move from words to action—urgently.”

Concluding, Kelly reaffirmed his commitment to driving progress on this vital issue. “A secure, modern grid is the backbone of Europe’s economic and environmental ambitions. I will ensure this report delivers real solutions.”