Securing Europe’s Renewable Future: The Role of Non-Price Criteria in Net Zero Auctions

Strengthening Resilience in Renewable Energy Auctions

The European Commission’s consultation on implementing the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) is set to reshape renewable energy auctions across the EU. A key shift? The introduction of non-price criteria, covering cybersecurity, resilience, and sustainability, into at least 30% of auction volumes from 2026 onwards.

The emphasis on cybersecurity reflects the growing threat landscape, where malicious actors could compromise the confidentiality and operational control of critical energy infrastructure. Developers will be required to implement stringent cyber risk management measures—not just for their projects, but across their entire supply chain. This added complexity could pose significant challenges, especially for developers unfamiliar with the deep integration of cybersecurity in energy systems.

The Challenge of Local Content and Supply Chain Resilience

The EU’s push for supply chain resilience aims to reduce dependency on single non-EU countries, particularly China. The goal is to incentivise bidders that diversify their supply sources and use European-manufactured components. However, this raises important questions about feasibility. Countries implementing these criteria must conduct thorough market assessments to ensure that local content targets are realistic and do not inadvertently hinder project development.

Taiwan’s offshore wind sector serves as a cautionary tale—its ambitious localisation requirements contributed to significant delays. Striking the right balance will be crucial to maintaining Europe’s clean energy momentum while avoiding unnecessary project bottlenecks.

What This Means for Developers and Decision-Makers

As Europe navigates this evolving regulatory landscape, developers must proactively assess the implications of these non-price criteria. Integrating cybersecurity at the pre-qualification stage will require cross-disciplinary collaboration, while the localisation push will demand strategic supply chain planning.

For decision-makers, this moment presents an opportunity to shape policies that ensure both energy security and the rapid deployment of renewables. As the consultation unfolds, the industry must engage actively to advocate for practical, achievable frameworks.

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