A new survey conducted by ABB’s Distribution Solutions Division highlights that while European companies are prioritizing the shift away from fossil fuels, many are facing resource constraints in achieving their clean energy goals.
The survey, which included 850 electrification decision-makers across France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and the U.K., found that 51% of respondents believe their organizations lack the resources needed to meet their energy transition commitments.
The survey reveals that nearly three-quarters of respondents see the transition to clean energy generation, distribution, and consumption as a priority. However, the findings suggest that more investment is required to meet targets set at the COP28 climate summit, which include tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
The research also addresses the anticipated shift in the European energy sector, particularly the phase-out of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in medium-voltage switchgear—a key component of electrical energy distribution—due to environmental regulations. Over 80% of respondents stated that their organizations would transition to SF6-free switchgear to comply with these regulations.
Respondents highlighted several common challenges in the energy transition, including managing operational costs, infrastructure investments, workforce skill gaps, and the need to adopt new solutions like energy storage. Additionally, as digital components and software become more integrated into electrical systems, improving cybersecurity was identified as a critical need for mitigating associated risks.
