Non-wire solutions can rapidly unlock significant amounts of existing grid capacity without the need for new physical infrastructure. According to the authors of the newly released report, these immediate measures can free up enough space to broadly cover the current shortfall in renewable energy connections across Europe.
“Non-wire solutions include grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and non-firm connection agreements. These can rapidly unlock additional grid capacity without new infrastructure.”
Instead of waiting years to build expensive new power lines, grid operators can use smarter technologies and more flexible contracts to get more out of the wires they already have. These tools improve how much electricity existing lines can handle and allow more power projects to link to the system by agreeing to share space when the grid is busy.
The report “Crossed wires: Grid capacity could block EU energy security” was published by the energy think tank Ember on 1 April 2026. It was prepared by a research team led by Senior Energy Analyst Elisabeth Cremona.
