Conall Heussaff
@cheussaff.bsky.social
💡 Senior Analyst, Offshore European Policy at EirGrid.
Focused on cross border grid infrastructure, energy markets, and the role of modelling in policymaking.
🇮🇪 Irish in Brussels 🇧🇪
Focused on cross border grid infrastructure, energy markets, and the role of modelling in policymaking.
🇮🇪 Irish in Brussels 🇧🇪
Pinned
Conall Heussaff
@cheussaff.bsky.social
· Feb 18
🚨 Europe needs massive investments in electricity grids—but money alone won’t be enough.
Our new paper with @gzachmann.bsky.social for @bruegel.bsky.social discusses the bigger picture. Scroll on for our key points 🧵⬇️
Our new paper with @gzachmann.bsky.social for @bruegel.bsky.social discusses the bigger picture. Scroll on for our key points 🧵⬇️
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
NEW – Factcheck: Why expensive gas – not net-zero – is keeping UK electricity prices so high | @drsimevans.carbonbrief.org @mollylempriere.carbonbrief.org w/ comment from @dharavyas.bsky.social Prof Robert Gross, Paul Drummond, Frank S. Aaskov
Read here: buff.ly/DWsC3sZ
Read here: buff.ly/DWsC3sZ
May 20, 2025 at 7:01 AM
NEW – Factcheck: Why expensive gas – not net-zero – is keeping UK electricity prices so high | @drsimevans.carbonbrief.org @mollylempriere.carbonbrief.org w/ comment from @dharavyas.bsky.social Prof Robert Gross, Paul Drummond, Frank S. Aaskov
Read here: buff.ly/DWsC3sZ
Read here: buff.ly/DWsC3sZ
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Quite possibly the biggest climate story of the year (especially when we look back on this in a few years' time)
For the first time on record, China's emissions are falling due to clean energy growth, not slow power demand...
For the first time on record, China's emissions are falling due to clean energy growth, not slow power demand...
NEW – Analysis: Clean energy just put China’s CO2 emissions into reverse for first time | @laurimyllyvirta.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/6eAcjRU
Read here: buff.ly/6eAcjRU
May 15, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Quite possibly the biggest climate story of the year (especially when we look back on this in a few years' time)
For the first time on record, China's emissions are falling due to clean energy growth, not slow power demand...
For the first time on record, China's emissions are falling due to clean energy growth, not slow power demand...
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Kind of mind blowing that Spain has the lowest ratio of grid to clean energy investment in Europe
If you're looking for something to (constructively) blame post power outage under investment in a grid capable of managing a transition is it 👇
If you're looking for something to (constructively) blame post power outage under investment in a grid capable of managing a transition is it 👇
May 7, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Kind of mind blowing that Spain has the lowest ratio of grid to clean energy investment in Europe
If you're looking for something to (constructively) blame post power outage under investment in a grid capable of managing a transition is it 👇
If you're looking for something to (constructively) blame post power outage under investment in a grid capable of managing a transition is it 👇
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
⚖️ Policymakers need to allocate electricity system costs equitably based on four principles
🖋️ By @cheussaff.bsky.social @ejueng.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social
🔗 Read the Policy Brief here: buff.ly/NYTxvCs
#EconSky
🖋️ By @cheussaff.bsky.social @ejueng.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social
🔗 Read the Policy Brief here: buff.ly/NYTxvCs
#EconSky
Who should be charged? Principles for fair allocation of electricity system costs
This Policy Brief sets out four principles for pricing electricity fairly
buff.ly
May 2, 2025 at 8:01 AM
⚖️ Policymakers need to allocate electricity system costs equitably based on four principles
🖋️ By @cheussaff.bsky.social @ejueng.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social
🔗 Read the Policy Brief here: buff.ly/NYTxvCs
#EconSky
🖋️ By @cheussaff.bsky.social @ejueng.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social
🔗 Read the Policy Brief here: buff.ly/NYTxvCs
#EconSky
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
🔌 Who should be charged? Principles for fair allocation of electricity system costs ⚖️
In this Policy Brief, @cheussaff.bsky.social @ejueng.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social set out four principles for fair pricing.
🔗 Read the paper here: buff.ly/NYTxvCs
#EconSky
In this Policy Brief, @cheussaff.bsky.social @ejueng.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social set out four principles for fair pricing.
🔗 Read the paper here: buff.ly/NYTxvCs
#EconSky
Who should be charged? Principles for fair allocation of electricity system costs
This Policy Brief sets out four principles for pricing electricity fairly
buff.ly
April 24, 2025 at 9:56 AM
🔌 Who should be charged? Principles for fair allocation of electricity system costs ⚖️
In this Policy Brief, @cheussaff.bsky.social @ejueng.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social set out four principles for fair pricing.
🔗 Read the paper here: buff.ly/NYTxvCs
#EconSky
In this Policy Brief, @cheussaff.bsky.social @ejueng.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social set out four principles for fair pricing.
🔗 Read the paper here: buff.ly/NYTxvCs
#EconSky
Thoroughly enjoyed speaking about mega electricity network investments on @bruegel.bsky.social's podcast, with @gzachmann.bsky.social & @rebeccawire.bsky.social.
We talk investment targets vs. needs, the role of EU planning, and overcoming distributional challenges.
www.bruegel.org/podcast/wire...
We talk investment targets vs. needs, the role of EU planning, and overcoming distributional challenges.
www.bruegel.org/podcast/wire...
Wired for the future: building Europe’s next-gen electricity grid
How smarter planning, better funding and political trust can supercharge the EU’s energy transition
www.bruegel.org
April 24, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Thoroughly enjoyed speaking about mega electricity network investments on @bruegel.bsky.social's podcast, with @gzachmann.bsky.social & @rebeccawire.bsky.social.
We talk investment targets vs. needs, the role of EU planning, and overcoming distributional challenges.
www.bruegel.org/podcast/wire...
We talk investment targets vs. needs, the role of EU planning, and overcoming distributional challenges.
www.bruegel.org/podcast/wire...
Europe: Weak on gas (and getting weaker), strong on electricity (and getting stronger).
Source: www.acer.europa.eu/monitoring/M...
Source: www.acer.europa.eu/monitoring/M...
March 28, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Europe: Weak on gas (and getting weaker), strong on electricity (and getting stronger).
Source: www.acer.europa.eu/monitoring/M...
Source: www.acer.europa.eu/monitoring/M...
Tracking European and US investments in clean tech is surely going to become even more interesting in coming years. Will US investments tick down, and EU catch up?
🆕 📈 tracking European and US investments into battery manufacturing since 2021. US investments turbocharged by the IRA, European investments steadily increasing.
Joint research @bruegel.bsky.social @rhodiumgroup.bsky.social available at:
www.bruegel.org/analysis/tra...
Joint research @bruegel.bsky.social @rhodiumgroup.bsky.social available at:
www.bruegel.org/analysis/tra...
March 6, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Tracking European and US investments in clean tech is surely going to become even more interesting in coming years. Will US investments tick down, and EU catch up?
We've reached the point where deploying renewables alone isn't enough.
Grids, storage, and demand flexibility must be equally prioritised to advance electricity decarbonisation.
www.ft.com/content/7939...
Grids, storage, and demand flexibility must be equally prioritised to advance electricity decarbonisation.
www.ft.com/content/7939...
Green energy gets switched off as power systems fail to keep up
Wind and solar generators stop production at rising rates as grids and battery storage lags
www.ft.com
February 27, 2025 at 1:11 PM
We've reached the point where deploying renewables alone isn't enough.
Grids, storage, and demand flexibility must be equally prioritised to advance electricity decarbonisation.
www.ft.com/content/7939...
Grids, storage, and demand flexibility must be equally prioritised to advance electricity decarbonisation.
www.ft.com/content/7939...
Europe's short-term options for reducing electricity prices are all redistribution: shift between consumers, reduce taxation, or subsidise power.
Until we structurally reduce costs, such trade-offs are inescapable.
Thanks to @euractiv.com for the quotes below 👇
www.euractiv.com/section/eet/...
Until we structurally reduce costs, such trade-offs are inescapable.
Thanks to @euractiv.com for the quotes below 👇
www.euractiv.com/section/eet/...
EU's Clean Industry Deal faces race against time - Euractiv
Plan should break the link with gas to renew industry and speed green energy, experts say
www.euractiv.com
February 25, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Europe's short-term options for reducing electricity prices are all redistribution: shift between consumers, reduce taxation, or subsidise power.
Until we structurally reduce costs, such trade-offs are inescapable.
Thanks to @euractiv.com for the quotes below 👇
www.euractiv.com/section/eet/...
Until we structurally reduce costs, such trade-offs are inescapable.
Thanks to @euractiv.com for the quotes below 👇
www.euractiv.com/section/eet/...
Dependence on expensive liquified natural gas (LNG) is part of the problem for European industry.
Decarbonisation is not only about climate action. Reducing fossil fuel dependence means economic security and energy affordability, too.
Thanks to DW for quoting me here:
www.dw.com/en/is-german...
Decarbonisation is not only about climate action. Reducing fossil fuel dependence means economic security and energy affordability, too.
Thanks to DW for quoting me here:
www.dw.com/en/is-german...
Is Germany's industrial economic model in danger? – DW – 02/19/2025
The German economy is a cause for great concern as voters go to the polls to elect a new government. Has the country miscalculated on its business model, where it gets energy, Chinese competition and ...
www.dw.com
February 21, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Dependence on expensive liquified natural gas (LNG) is part of the problem for European industry.
Decarbonisation is not only about climate action. Reducing fossil fuel dependence means economic security and energy affordability, too.
Thanks to DW for quoting me here:
www.dw.com/en/is-german...
Decarbonisation is not only about climate action. Reducing fossil fuel dependence means economic security and energy affordability, too.
Thanks to DW for quoting me here:
www.dw.com/en/is-german...
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Here @iriepin.bsky.social, @nworbmot.bsky.social, V.Zavala, and I explore how hyperscale data centres can lower costs&emissions by transporting data instead of energy. Optimised data centre usage across time & location can ease grid expansion needs & stabilise prices.
www.bruegel.org/first-glance...
www.bruegel.org/first-glance...
How data centres can chase renewable energy across Europe
Harnessing the flexibility offered by data centres depending on renewable energy availability could cut costs and emissions
www.bruegel.org
February 20, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Here @iriepin.bsky.social, @nworbmot.bsky.social, V.Zavala, and I explore how hyperscale data centres can lower costs&emissions by transporting data instead of energy. Optimised data centre usage across time & location can ease grid expansion needs & stabilise prices.
www.bruegel.org/first-glance...
www.bruegel.org/first-glance...
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
🆕 The EU needs to address its energy information problem. Information is not available at the level of granularity, reliability and consistency needed for informed decision-making.
With @gzachmann.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social @bruegel.bsky.social
1/3
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
With @gzachmann.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social @bruegel.bsky.social
1/3
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
Europe’s energy information problem
This Policy Brief makes recommendations on how the European energy information problem can be addressed
www.bruegel.org
February 20, 2025 at 9:16 AM
🆕 The EU needs to address its energy information problem. Information is not available at the level of granularity, reliability and consistency needed for informed decision-making.
With @gzachmann.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social @bruegel.bsky.social
1/3
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
With @gzachmann.bsky.social @tagliapietra.bsky.social @bruegel.bsky.social
1/3
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
🚨 Exceptionally important paper. Accessible, accurate, and timely data is needed to make informed energy policy decisions.
From my colleagues @bmcwilliams.bsky.social, @gzachmann.bsky.social, and @tagliapietra.bsky.social.
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
From my colleagues @bmcwilliams.bsky.social, @gzachmann.bsky.social, and @tagliapietra.bsky.social.
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
Europe’s energy information problem
This Policy Brief makes recommendations on how the European energy information problem can be addressed
www.bruegel.org
February 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM
🚨 Exceptionally important paper. Accessible, accurate, and timely data is needed to make informed energy policy decisions.
From my colleagues @bmcwilliams.bsky.social, @gzachmann.bsky.social, and @tagliapietra.bsky.social.
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
From my colleagues @bmcwilliams.bsky.social, @gzachmann.bsky.social, and @tagliapietra.bsky.social.
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
🚨 Europe needs massive investments in electricity grids—but money alone won’t be enough.
Our new paper with @gzachmann.bsky.social for @bruegel.bsky.social discusses the bigger picture. Scroll on for our key points 🧵⬇️
Our new paper with @gzachmann.bsky.social for @bruegel.bsky.social discusses the bigger picture. Scroll on for our key points 🧵⬇️
February 18, 2025 at 1:08 PM
🚨 Europe needs massive investments in electricity grids—but money alone won’t be enough.
Our new paper with @gzachmann.bsky.social for @bruegel.bsky.social discusses the bigger picture. Scroll on for our key points 🧵⬇️
Our new paper with @gzachmann.bsky.social for @bruegel.bsky.social discusses the bigger picture. Scroll on for our key points 🧵⬇️
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
An eye-opening stat from the recent @bruegel.bsky.social report on European grids.
The value of the French DSO's assets are over three times those of the French TSO 🤯
Great work by @cheussaff.bsky.social.
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
The value of the French DSO's assets are over three times those of the French TSO 🤯
Great work by @cheussaff.bsky.social.
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
February 13, 2025 at 11:45 AM
An eye-opening stat from the recent @bruegel.bsky.social report on European grids.
The value of the French DSO's assets are over three times those of the French TSO 🤯
Great work by @cheussaff.bsky.social.
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
The value of the French DSO's assets are over three times those of the French TSO 🤯
Great work by @cheussaff.bsky.social.
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
DYK #EnergySky?
Germany has 873 mostly city-owned DSOs?
Spain is next at 365 mostly private DSOs.
Poland has 185 mostly public (national) DSOs.
From a great report on EU grid investment by @cheussaff.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social at @bruegel.bsky.social
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
Germany has 873 mostly city-owned DSOs?
Spain is next at 365 mostly private DSOs.
Poland has 185 mostly public (national) DSOs.
From a great report on EU grid investment by @cheussaff.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social at @bruegel.bsky.social
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
February 12, 2025 at 10:32 AM
DYK #EnergySky?
Germany has 873 mostly city-owned DSOs?
Spain is next at 365 mostly private DSOs.
Poland has 185 mostly public (national) DSOs.
From a great report on EU grid investment by @cheussaff.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social at @bruegel.bsky.social
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
Germany has 873 mostly city-owned DSOs?
Spain is next at 365 mostly private DSOs.
Poland has 185 mostly public (national) DSOs.
From a great report on EU grid investment by @cheussaff.bsky.social and @gzachmann.bsky.social at @bruegel.bsky.social
www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
🆕 Policy Brief @bruegel.bsky.social with @gzachmann.bsky.social on upgrading Europe's grid.
A few key messages:
- big share of investment needs at distribution level
- cost recovery of investments is as challenging as financing
- EU funds should further accelerate cross border inter connections
A few key messages:
- big share of investment needs at distribution level
- cost recovery of investments is as challenging as financing
- EU funds should further accelerate cross border inter connections
February 12, 2025 at 10:58 AM
🆕 Policy Brief @bruegel.bsky.social with @gzachmann.bsky.social on upgrading Europe's grid.
A few key messages:
- big share of investment needs at distribution level
- cost recovery of investments is as challenging as financing
- EU funds should further accelerate cross border inter connections
A few key messages:
- big share of investment needs at distribution level
- cost recovery of investments is as challenging as financing
- EU funds should further accelerate cross border inter connections
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
The anti-climate backlash seems to be in full swing. The EU (and its member states) are poorly prepared because the EU ETS2, the linchpin of the Green Deal (in terms of emissions reduction potential), covers sectors (transport and buildings) with visible and
www.politico.eu/article/lets...
www.politico.eu/article/lets...
Let’s kill the Green Deal together, far-right leader urges EU’s conservatives
Jordan Bardella thinks he can convince the European People’s Party to suspend EU climate legislation.
www.politico.eu
January 28, 2025 at 12:10 PM
The anti-climate backlash seems to be in full swing. The EU (and its member states) are poorly prepared because the EU ETS2, the linchpin of the Green Deal (in terms of emissions reduction potential), covers sectors (transport and buildings) with visible and
www.politico.eu/article/lets...
www.politico.eu/article/lets...
ETS 2 – carbon pricing for transport and buildings – is critical for EU climate policy, but it must be carefully managed to protect vulnerable citizens and maintain support for the transition.
Glad to be quoted in Correctiv's reporting on this important issue: correctiv.org/en/europe/20...
Glad to be quoted in Correctiv's reporting on this important issue: correctiv.org/en/europe/20...
EU states not prepared for new carbon pricing
Member states are not adequately preparing for the CO2-pricing on heating fuels. MEP calls for "serious discussion" about social measures.
correctiv.org
February 11, 2025 at 9:22 AM
ETS 2 – carbon pricing for transport and buildings – is critical for EU climate policy, but it must be carefully managed to protect vulnerable citizens and maintain support for the transition.
Glad to be quoted in Correctiv's reporting on this important issue: correctiv.org/en/europe/20...
Glad to be quoted in Correctiv's reporting on this important issue: correctiv.org/en/europe/20...
ENTSO-E's Infrastructure Gaps Report for the TYNDP 2024 makes the strong case that for every euro invested in the electricity grid, nearly two euro will saved in system costs, in addition to GDP, employment and tax revenue gains.
Can grids pay for themselves?
www.entsoe.eu/outlooks/tyn...
Can grids pay for themselves?
www.entsoe.eu/outlooks/tyn...
February 4, 2025 at 2:36 PM
ENTSO-E's Infrastructure Gaps Report for the TYNDP 2024 makes the strong case that for every euro invested in the electricity grid, nearly two euro will saved in system costs, in addition to GDP, employment and tax revenue gains.
Can grids pay for themselves?
www.entsoe.eu/outlooks/tyn...
Can grids pay for themselves?
www.entsoe.eu/outlooks/tyn...
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Infrastructure Gaps Report
by the European electricity system operators
Sees regionally very differentiated add'l needs by 2030, eg:
strong add: FR-UK & SWE-FIN
limited add: ES-FR, CEE/SEE
no add: POL-LIT; UA/MD
eepublicdownloads.blob.core.windows.net/public-cdn-c...
h/t @cheussaff.bsky.social
by the European electricity system operators
Sees regionally very differentiated add'l needs by 2030, eg:
strong add: FR-UK & SWE-FIN
limited add: ES-FR, CEE/SEE
no add: POL-LIT; UA/MD
eepublicdownloads.blob.core.windows.net/public-cdn-c...
h/t @cheussaff.bsky.social
February 3, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Infrastructure Gaps Report
by the European electricity system operators
Sees regionally very differentiated add'l needs by 2030, eg:
strong add: FR-UK & SWE-FIN
limited add: ES-FR, CEE/SEE
no add: POL-LIT; UA/MD
eepublicdownloads.blob.core.windows.net/public-cdn-c...
h/t @cheussaff.bsky.social
by the European electricity system operators
Sees regionally very differentiated add'l needs by 2030, eg:
strong add: FR-UK & SWE-FIN
limited add: ES-FR, CEE/SEE
no add: POL-LIT; UA/MD
eepublicdownloads.blob.core.windows.net/public-cdn-c...
h/t @cheussaff.bsky.social
Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Save the date 🗓️ How will the Clean Industrial Deal support EU industries? Ahead of the launch of the initiative in February, we will discuss this topical question with EVP Teresa Ribera on January 16 at 13:00-14:30 at @bruegel.bsky.social
www.bruegel.org/event/clean-...
www.bruegel.org/event/clean-...
Clean Industrial Deal: a conversation with EVP Teresa Ribera
How will the Clean Industrial Deal support EU industries?
www.bruegel.org
December 12, 2024 at 9:06 AM
Save the date 🗓️ How will the Clean Industrial Deal support EU industries? Ahead of the launch of the initiative in February, we will discuss this topical question with EVP Teresa Ribera on January 16 at 13:00-14:30 at @bruegel.bsky.social
www.bruegel.org/event/clean-...
www.bruegel.org/event/clean-...
Excellent list of European energy experts that I am humbled to be included on ⤵️
Have you already had a look at these European energy experts? Would be great to have a thriving #EnergySky here!
If you think this pack is useful, please repost.
go.bsky.app/PvYmi78
Suggestions still welcome, too.
If you think this pack is useful, please repost.
go.bsky.app/PvYmi78
Suggestions still welcome, too.
December 12, 2024 at 9:50 AM
Excellent list of European energy experts that I am humbled to be included on ⤵️
I enjoyed moderating a great discussion today at the Ariadne project events in Brussels, on the sectoral transformations need to hit our ambitious 90% 2040 target, with @rpietzcker.bsky.social, Jozefien Vanbecelaere and @ctrasi.bsky.social.
Indeed, I do love S-curves
Indeed, I do love S-curves
@cheussaff.bsky.social “always happy when he sees an S-curve”. Much cause for happiness therefore at the Ariadne@Brussels discussions on scaling tech & sector transformations in #transport & #buildings, but also real barriers & active resistance to be overcome climbing the curve @ctrasi.bsky.social
December 11, 2024 at 2:09 PM
I enjoyed moderating a great discussion today at the Ariadne project events in Brussels, on the sectoral transformations need to hit our ambitious 90% 2040 target, with @rpietzcker.bsky.social, Jozefien Vanbecelaere and @ctrasi.bsky.social.
Indeed, I do love S-curves
Indeed, I do love S-curves