In April, the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) published a report on the Security of Sustainable Energy Supply in Europe. This document has gained particular relevance following the power outage that occurred on 28 April across the Iberian Peninsula, highlighting the vulnerabilities of current energy systems and the urgent need to strengthen their resilience. The report directly addresses this critical issue: how to ensure a secure, sustainable, and autonomous energy supply for Europe.

David Serrano, Director of IMDEA Energía, played an active role in drafting the report, representing the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of Spain (RAC). His contribution drew on his extensive expertise in sustainable energy technologies and energy transition strategies.

The report warns that Europe’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly oil and gas, is a major source of both economic and political vulnerability. This reliance exposes the continent to external pressures, geopolitical blackmail, and supply disruptions with potentially severe consequences for both industry and households.

According to the report, high and volatile energy prices are undermining investor confidence, weakening industrial competitiveness, and increasing the risk of energy poverty for millions of European citizens.

“The only way to guarantee a secure and affordable energy supply is through a well-managed energy transition based on domestic, sustainable sources and innovative technologies developed in Europe,” the report states.

Key recommendations from the report include:

  • Strengthening cybersecurity in the energy sector.

  • Establishing strategic alliances across the supply chains of key technologies and critical raw materials.

  • Significantly increasing electrification in buildings, industry, and transport.

  • Ensuring access to critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.

  • Investing in electrical infrastructure and enhancing grid flexibility through energy storage, interconnections, and demand-side response mechanisms.

The report also underscores the strategic importance of initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the recent Net-Zero Industry Act (Clean Industrial Deal) as key instruments to safeguard Europe’s energy sovereignty.

“Every euro invested in sustainable energy is a euro invested in our security,” stated Professor Paula Kivimaa, co-chair of the EASAC working group.

This comprehensive study was developed by 27 scientific experts nominated by their respective national academies. David Serrano’s participation highlights the leading role of IMDEA Energía in the advancement of secure and sustainable energy solutions for Europe’s future.

Read the report: “Security of Sustainable Energy Supplies”