JOINT PRESS RELEASE: Energy-intensive industries set out demands for affordable electricity in the EU

Europe's energy-intensive industries have set out a series of proposals to ensure that the EU's upcoming Electrification Action Plan delivers on its objectives to stimulate and boost electricity consumption in industry. In a joint position paper, industries warn that persistently high electricity prices risk undermining industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation efforts. They call for a policy framework that will enable EU industry in pursuing decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness.

Energy-intensive industries employ around 2.6 million people across the EU and underpin critical and strategic value chains. Yet, years after the energy price crisis, investment in electrification remains stalled and the competitiveness gap with third countries widened. Electricity costs in Europe continue to be structurally high and volatile, contributing to plant closures, reduced output and delayed decarbonisation investments.

Recent data show that EU electricity demand barely increased in 2024, highlighting a growing gap between climate ambition and economic reality. The industries stress that the challenge is not only a lack of available technologies, but mainly the absence of affordable and predictable electricity supply.