For nearly seventy years, energy has been a cornerstone of the European project, seeking to maintain the continent’s security of supply. This goal has now become a reality. The electricity network is truly European. It is the outcome of a dual ambition sought by the European Union: the political will for solidarity and a desire for market integration. Transmission system operators (TSOs) sustain the European network in real time. More than 400 interconnections link us together, providing real electrical solidarity between the countries of continental Europe.
In the leading position of Europe’s biggest high and ultra-high voltage network, RTE plays a pivotal role in Europe’s electricity sector, supporting the EU’s energy policy. Alongside its fellow European TSOs, it is building and strengthening cross-border connections in order to increase its capacities for exchange with its neighbours. RTE works closely together with its fellow TSOs to maintain the European network’s security of supply. They work together with electricity stock exchanges in order to couple the different markets and consolidate Europe’s electricity market.
The future holds numerous challenges: helping to achieve the Green Deal’s carbon-neutrality target by 2050 by continuing to integrate an increasing amount of renewable energy; supporting the integration of electric vehicles into the power system; supporting decentralised power generation. In order to successfully complete the energy transition in accordance with the EU’s objectives, transmission systems must continuously come up with novel solutions. RTE is actively involved in European research programmes seeking to develop technological innovations.