The EERA Joint Programme on Smart Grids has published a new white paper titled “The Crucial Role of Smart Grids for the Success of the Clean Energy Transition”, making a clear case for why smart grids must be placed at the heart of Europe’s energy strategy.

As Europe accelerates the shift towards a decarbonised, decentralised, and electrified energy system, the paper highlights how smart grids are essential enablers of this transformation. From managing growing shares of renewables to enabling demand-side flexibility and system integration, smart grids support both the technical and socio-economic pillars of the energy transition.

The white paper identifies key challenges—including fragmented regulation, limited long-term R&I investment, and the need for coordinated action across sectors—and provides targeted policy and research recommendations. It also underlines the importance of digitalisation, consumer empowerment, and resilience in the face of climate and security risks.

By reinforcing the role of smart grids in the broader clean energy policy framework, the EERA JP Smart Grids calls for stronger alignment between innovation, infrastructure planning, and system-level integration.

This publication serves as a strategic reference for policymakers, grid operators, researchers, and industry stakeholders working toward a more flexible, efficient, and inclusive European energy system.