"Electrification must be the default solution for decarbonising European industry” (C. Gauer, DG Energy)

"Electrification must be the default solution for decarbonising European industry," said Céline Gauer, Director-General at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, during the annual meetings organised by the European think tank Bruegel, on 2 September 2026.

At European level, she says, there is a consensus on the need to accelerate electrification. “We need it for our independence, to ensure affordable prices and to combat climate change. But progress is slow,” she says.

In its action plan for electrification, published on 17 July 2026, the European Commission identified five main obstacles: the cost of electricity, the initial cost of investment, infrastructure, innovation in certain areas, as well as skills, transparency and information.
“Accelerating electrification is…