Industrial Electrification and Resilient Energy Infrastructure

EGGA welcomes the EU’s ambition to accelerate electrification and the stronger focus on reducing electricity costs and addressing barriers to industrial electrification. Energy security, competitiveness and decarbonisation must go hand in hand.

The Electrification Action Plan and the proposal on future-proofing electricity bills are important steps in the right direction. They now need to translate into effective action and implementation through EU legislation, Member States policies and accessible funding rules. Other European initiatives will also shape the enabling conditions for industrial electrification, including the EU Grids package, the upcoming revision of the Energy Security framework and the post-2030 Energy framework.

The batch galvanizing industry, largely composed of SMEs and mid-sized companies, is committed to decarbonisation as part of the steel value chain. Electrification of batch galvanizing is technically feasible, but investments depend on the right enabling conditions.

EGGA highlights two key priorities:

• Create economically viable conditions for industrial electrification, with affordable and fair electricity costs, investment support accessible to SMEs and non-energy-intensive industries, faster grid connections and reliable electricity supply.
• Ensure resilient and durable energy infrastructure, with durability, corrosion protection, low maintenance requirements and whole-life performance considered in its design and procurement, in particular for critical infrastructure.

By protecting steel against corrosion, extending its service life and reducing maintenance needs, galvanized steel helps deliver durable and resilient energy infrastructure across Europe.