ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity)

Renewable electricity in the TYNDP 2026 context refers mainly to utility-scale and distributed solar photovoltaics, onshore and offshore wind, plus other low-carbon sources such as hydropower and sustainable bioenergy that together form the backbone of Europe’s decarbonized power system.[1] These technologies are expected to replace fossil-based generation progressively, supplying both direct electrification needs and electricity for hydrogen production and other power-to-X processes.[7]

Biomethane and renewable synthetic gases (such as synthetic methane produced from hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide) are low-carbon gaseous fuels designed to substitute fossil natural gas in existing or adapted gas infrastructure and appliances.[22] The TYNDP 2026 scenarios foresee these gases progressively replacing fossil methane to enable full decarbonization of the gas system by 2050.[3]

Electrolysis in the scenarios is not only a production route for hydrogen but also a flexible demand-side resource that can adjust its electricity consumption in response to system conditions, providing flexibility to the power system.[1] This dual role helps absorb surplus renewable generation and reduce curtailment while ensuring hydrogen supply to industrial and transport applications.[19]

Joint initiative to develop standardized methodology for assessing flexibility requirements across EU electricity system, including definition of data types, formats, and analytical approaches for regulatory authorities

Development of EU-wide regulatory framework governing demand response mechanisms, flexibility information systems, task delegation, data exchange standards, and demand-side management in electricity markets

Comprehensive revision and update of EU DSO Entity's statutory documents, rules of procedure, and governance structures to accommodate expansion from electricity-only to multi-vector (electricity, natural gas, hydrogen) distribution operator representation