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EU Officials Stress Energy Security Risks at Copenhagen Infrastructure Forum

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European Union policymakers and industry leaders said at the Copenhagen Energy Infrastructure Forum that geopolitical tensions are increasing the need for stronger energy networks.

Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jorgensen and Danish Deputy Permanent Secretary Christian Stenberg opened the two-day forum in Copenhagen on May 21.

Participants said conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have exposed the risks tied to energy dependence while increasing pressure on Europe to strengthen energy security.

Speakers said Europe now views the energy transition as both an economic and an environmental priority, as global rivals continue to advance clean-energy technologies.

Discussions on electricity infrastructure focused on expanding and modernizing power grids while improving the use of existing networks through digital systems and grid-enhancing technologies.

Participants said smarter planning and better technology could reduce congestion, lower expansion costs and prepare networks for rising future electricity demand across Europe.

The forum highlighted financing challenges facing energy infrastructure projects and called for greater private investment alongside public support and new financing tools where needed.

Participants also backed greater transparency for investors through tools such as Capacitypedia and the Distribution Network Development Plans platform to improve visibility into grid capacity.

Participants said European Union countries must move faster in applying hydrogen legislation as the focus shifts from policy planning to practical infrastructure development.

The forum highlighted the European Union's Hydrogen Mechanism as a key tool to improve coordination across the hydrogen market and reduce investment risks for transmission projects.

The European Commission and Denmark's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities organized the annual forum, which ended with calls for faster cooperation and project implementation.

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