EGExpertGrid OS
← All insights

The three real bottlenecks in Europe's grid transition

by Dr. Elena Morales · 5/1/2026 · 1 view

Permitting, interconnection queues, and storage — not generation — are the binding constraints.

Most coverage of the energy transition focuses on how much solar and wind we can build. In practice, generation is rarely the bottleneck. 1. Permitting timelines for transmission lines routinely exceed build times for the renewables they connect. 2. Interconnection queues have ballooned, with multi-year waits in several markets. 3. Storage and flexibility are under-procured relative to the variability we're adding. Policy that compresses permitting and reforms queue management will move the needle far more than additional generation subsidies.

Want to go deeper?

Connect with Dr. Elena Morales

View profile

We use essential cookies to run the site and optional analytics to improve it. You can accept all or keep only what's essential.