The European Union has mandated the electrification of shipping and aviation sectors to reduce emissions. Regulations AFIR and FuelEU Maritime require container and passenger ships to utilize Onshore Power Supply while at berth by 2030. This initiative aims to replace auxiliary engines with grid electricity, improving air quality for port workers and local residents.
For the aviation industry, AFIR mandates that major airports within the TEN-T network provide electricity to stationary aircraft at contact stands starting in 2025 and at remote stands by 2030. This requirement applies to airports exceeding 10,000 commercial flight movements annually, effectively phasing out diesel-powered ground power units.
Infrastructure development faces significant delays due to grid congestion. Currently, 375 GW of clean energy projects and 455 GW of battery storage are awaiting grid connection permits. The construction of new grid infrastructure typically requires 4 to 10 years, with approximately half of that duration consumed by the permitting process.
The current allocation system for grid capacity often relies on a first-come, first-served basis. This approach allows speculative projects to occupy capacity, hindering strategically important developments at ports and airports. The existing European grid, designed for centralized power generation, struggles to accommodate the rapid growth in distributed renewable energy demand.
