A group of leading European energy-intensive companies and technology providers, including Metlen Energy & Metals, has announced the founding of the Green Industrial Grids Association (GIGA) to accelerate the modernization and digitalization of Europe’s electrical grids. According to the official announcement, the new association aims to support a fundamental transformation of the European electricity system, responding to the growing needs of the green and digital transition.
GIGA specifically addresses a significant gap by bringing together companies with common electricity needs. Its goal is to provide practical, user-focused information on grid access, system planning and modernization – issues currently missing from European energy discussions.
Metlen joins global giants to found GIGA – commitment to a clean, competitive and green economy
GIGA’s founding members include Amazon, Electra, Fastned, Google, Hitachi Energy, Linde, Meta, Metlen, Milence, Microsoft and Siemens Energy. Together, they represent a broad spectrum of electricity consumers and technology providers, united by their commitment to transforming European grids to support a clean, competitive and green economy.
European grids must evolve to meet growing demand
Across Europe, electricity demand is rising rapidly as industry accelerates electrification, digital services expand, and consumers adopt clean technologies at a rapid pace. However, European grids have not evolved at the same speed. Aging infrastructure, time-consuming licensing procedures, and multi-year connection queues now limit the ability of businesses and citizens to access clean and affordable electricity when they need it.
As the European Commission emphasizes, addressing these challenges requires significant investments, with estimated needs of €1.2 trillion for electrical grid infrastructure by 2040.
Creating conditions for a modern electrical system
GIGA will promote comprehensive grid transformation, focusing on the following areas:
- Future-oriented grid planning – Closer collaboration with consumers to ensure grid development occurs where the greatest need exists.
- Unlocking capital for grid expansion – Mobilizing third-party financing to accelerate investments and optimization, as well as timely investments so suppliers can plan better and avoid supply chain delays.
- Maximizing existing grid utilization – Developing technological solutions such as Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs), flexible connection agreements, and targeted incentives for rapid grid decongestion.
- Accelerating electricity access – Transitioning from the “first-come-first-served” model to a “first-ready-first-out” system, with capacity allocation based on project maturity, improved application processing, and enhanced transparency.
As Europe pursues climate neutrality by 2050 while ensuring energy security, sustainable energy costs, and competitiveness, electrical grids must transform immediately. In this context, GIGA will offer technical expertise and practical knowledge based on its members’ international experience in regulatory frameworks and grid planning procedures. The association’s goal is for policy decisions by European institutions and national authorities to consider the needs of industrial electricity consumers and grid technology providers.
