Energy security and independence are firmly at the top of the EU agenda. With geopolitical tensions rising and the EU preparing to revise its Energy Security Framework this year, one thing is clear: Europe cannot build its energy system on external dependencies. Achieving real energy independence will only be possible by advancing electrification and ensuring a qualified workforce is in place to deliver it.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU acted decisively to phase out Russian gas. Imports from Russia fell from around 50% of total EU gas imports in 2021 to roughly 12% today. However, Europe now risks trading one dependency for another.
Liquefied natural gas imports from the United States account for over a quarter of EU gas imports, up from just 5% in 2021, and could grow further. Recent political tensions across the Atlantic underline a simple reality: relying on a limited number of external partners leaves Europe exposed to political pressure and supply disruptions.
Homegrown renewable electricity
Electrification offers a structural solution to reduce Europe’s reliance on imported energy. The EU aims to electrify 32% of final energy consumption by 2030, rising to 50% by 2040. According to energy think tank Ember, achieving these targets could halve fossil fuel import dependency from 58% in 2023 to around 30% in 2040.
Unlike fossil fuels, which are mostly imported from a few suppliers, renewable electricity can be produced domestically, strengthening independence while supporting Europe’s climate and competitiveness goals. Clean electricity is also increasingly the more affordable option. Fossil gas remains one of the most expensive sources on the market, whereas high renewable generation correlates with lower and more stable electricity prices.
But energy independence is not just about what kind of energy we use. It’s also about the technologies that sustain our system. In line with its goal of “strategic autonomy”, the EU continues to assess risks from high-risk vendors across sectors, including renewables, telecoms, healthcare or even space.
On 20 January, the European Commission presented a review of the Cybersecurity Act, introducing provisions to ban suppliers that pose cybersecurity threats. While no countries are named explicitly, the proposed rules mention technologies such as detection equipment, automated vehicles, electricity supply and storage systems, drones, cloud services, surveillance equipment, and semiconductors… sectors where Chinese companies often dominate.
Advancing electrification on the ground
All in all, for electrification to succeed, Europe’s energy system must be modern, flexible and resilient. Electrical contractors are central to making this happen. By designing, installing, and maintaining shockproof installations, they ensure that clean electricity reaches end-users and that Europe’s energy system can withstand disruptions.
Energy security is about building a system that is independent, affordable, and resilient. Electrification, supported by skilled electrical contractors, is a cornerstone of that long-term solution.
