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Conall Heussaff

@cheussaff.bsky.social
1.8K followers 467 following 49 posts

💡 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 🇧🇪

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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Carbon Brief @carbonbrief.org · 20/05/2025
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
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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Leo Hickman @leohickman.carbonbrief.org · 15/05/2025
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...
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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Justin Guay @guayjg.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
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 👇
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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Bruegel @bruegel.org · 02/05/2025
⚖️ 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
buff.ly
Who should be charged? Principles for fair allocation of electricity system costs
This Policy Brief sets out four principles for pricing electricity fairly
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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Bruegel @bruegel.org · 24/04/2025
🔌 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
buff.ly
Who should be charged? Principles for fair allocation of electricity system costs
This Policy Brief sets out four principles for pricing electricity fairly
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
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...
bruegel.org
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
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Europe: Weak on gas (and getting weaker), strong on electricity (and getting stronger). Source: www.acer.europa.eu/monitoring/M...
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
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?
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
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...
ft.com
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
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
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/...
euractiv.com
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
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
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...
dw.com
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 ...
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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Georg Zachmann @gzachmann.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
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...
bruegel.org
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
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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Ben McWilliams @bmcwilliams.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
🆕 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...
bruegel.org
Europe’s energy information problem
This Policy Brief makes recommendations on how the European energy information problem can be addressed
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
🚨 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...
bruegel.org
Europe’s energy information problem
This Policy Brief makes recommendations on how the European energy information problem can be addressed
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
🚨 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 🧵⬇️
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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Tara Connolly @taraconnolly.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
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...
A screenshot from the report reading:

"The transmission grids of most neighbouring European countries are interconnected. There are 30 transmission system operators (TSOs) 4  in the EU and several thousand distribution system operators (DSOs). Electricity-distribution grids account for most electricity-grid infrastructure and this is reflected in asset values. For example, the grid operated by the largest French DSO, ENEDIS, is worth €54 billion, while the asset base of French TSO RTE is €17 billion (S&P Global Ratings, 2024). The returns earned by TSOs and DSOs and their investment incentives are determined by national regulators, with each EU country taking a distinct regulatory approach. "
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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Adrian Hiel @adrianhiel.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
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...
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
🆕 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
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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Jacob Edenhofer @jacobedenhofer.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
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...
politico.eu
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.
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
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...
correctiv.org
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.
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
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...
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Reposted by Conall Heussaff
Georg Zachmann @gzachmann.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
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
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Simone Tagliapietra @tagliapietra.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
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-...
bruegel.org
Clean Industrial Deal: a conversation with EVP Teresa Ribera
How will the Clean Industrial Deal support EU industries?
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
Excellent list of European energy experts that I am humbled to be included on ⤵️
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
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
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
The green transition implies less variable energy costs (less fossil fuel burn) and more fixed costs (the capital costs of renewables and the grid). Allocating these fixed costs fairly is a new challenge as they are mainly mediated through the state, not markets (see taxes and levies below).
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Bruegel @bruegel.org · 10/12/2024
🔋 How can Europe cut energy costs while maintaining competitiveness in its decarbonisation efforts? 🔗 Read @cheussaff.bsky.social's Policy brief: buff.ly/3ZliQoT #econsky
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
💡 Europe's energy challenge: 98% of natural gas is imported—much as LNG—costing 5x more than domestic US gas. This dependency drives high electricity prices, with fossil fuels still central to the power mix. To make energy affordable, Europe must decarbonise. Here's four ways to reduce prices: 🧵
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Bruegel @bruegel.org · 05/12/2024
🔌 Energy prices are higher in the European Union than in most other industrialised economies, presenting a fundamental competitiveness challenge Read the latest Policy brief by @cheussaff.bsky.social here: buff.ly/3ZliQoT
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Hannah Daly @hannahdaly.ie · 05/12/2024
In my column today, I argue that a mission to electrify Ireland's industry, transport and buildings is the missing link in Ireland's energy strategy. www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
irishtimes.com
Electrification is Ireland’s missing climate link
Electrification is the bridge between Ireland’s renewable energy potential and its climate commitments
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
My primer for @bruegel.bsky.social on why European energy costs are so high and what policymakers can do about it ⤵️ Short version: we are dependent on expensive fossil fuel imports. The answer? Decarbonising efficiently and maximising Europe's renewable resources. www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
bruegel.org
Decarbonising for competitiveness: four ways to reduce European energy prices
Energy prices are higher in the European Union than in most other industrialised economies, presenting a fundamental competitiveness challenge
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Simone Tagliapietra @tagliapietra.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Lowering energy prices will be a key element of the Clean Industrial Deal. But why does Europe have this problem? And what are the options to solve it? In this new paper, my colleague @cheussaff.bsky.social tells everything you always wanted to know about it www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
bruegel.org
Decarbonising for competitiveness: four ways to reduce European energy prices
Energy prices are higher in the European Union than in most other industrialised economies, presenting a fundamental competitiveness challenge
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Tom Lewis @handle.invalid · 05/12/2024
Many very interesting ideas in @cheussaff.bsky.social's latest report on energy prices, but this caught my eye the most. Having an alternative and independent EU energy system model, to assess cross-border needs and how to coordinate investment and share resources. www.bruegel.org/policy-brief...
"To identify the priority cross border interconnections for investment, the European grid system assessment and planning process led by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) could be strengthened through more transparency in the modelling process. For example, a new independent European agency or institution (or arm of an existing agency or institution) could develop its own scenarios for electricity system development and the associated cross-border interconnection needs, so that the ENTSO-E plans could be compared to an alternative. "
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Nikolaus J. Kurmayer @nkurmayer.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Banger piece from @cheussaff.bsky.social on European power prices and a pragmatic outlook, via @bruegel.bsky.social Features: detailed breakdown for ETS share in power price Douses hopes of EU ever being a cheal power champ www.bruegel.org/policy-brief... A thread
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Excellent economists and researchers working on all aspects off European economic policy below ⤵️
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Neat illustration of how, a decade ago, the EU made up the majority of global PV capacity. China caught up in 2017 and have not looked back in the years since. From the JRC's Clean Energy Technology Observatory: setis.ec.europa.eu/document/dow...
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
In an unstable world, policymaking needs to think in terms of risk and resilience. I make this case in the op-ed below for the EU's 2040 climate target, for The Parliament Magazine ⤵️ www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article...
theparliamentmagazine.eu
Op-ed: Risk and resilience: Europe's path towards a decarbonised future
A risk-based approach to setting ambitious 2040 climate targets is vital to maintaining global momentum on climate action. Balancing sustainability...
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Jan Rosenow @janrosenow.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
Why I’m optimistic about the energy transition: Humans tend to underestimate the pace of innovation and overestimate the inertia of incumbent technologies. Clean energy technologies have scaled much more rapidly than predicted by modellers
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 09/11/2024
Bluesky right now feels like breathing fresh air for the first time in years
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 17/11/2023
A crystal clear visualisation of why better locational signals are needed in electricity markets - not only relevant for the Germany bidding zone discussion but for Europe's electricity investments more broadly
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Conall Heussaff @cheussaff.bsky.social · 13/11/2023
🔌⚡ Our latest Bruegel analysis shows the huge value of cross-border transmission during the energy crisis. Even though the crisis has receded, we show that new interconnection capacity in Europe is urgently needed. @gzachmann.bsky.social www.bruegel.org/analysis/mas...
bruegel.org
The massive value of European Union cross-border electricity transmission
High values for cross-border electricity transmission capacity show the EU needs more connections between countries.
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Kira Taylor @kirataylor.bsky.social · 19/10/2023
The electricity market reform text agreed by EU countries earlier this week is now out: data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document...
data.consilium.europa.eu
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