European transmission system operators launch an open call for solutions to boost the electricity grid´s climate reslilience

Eight leading European transmission system operators have formed an alliance to make the European electricity grid more resilient. Now they have reached out to tech enterprises with an invitation to collaborate.

The European transmission grid spans multiple countries and is becoming increasingly weather-dependent. Climate-driven events such as storms, flooding, heatwaves and wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity – placing new demands on grid operations. In the face of rapidly changing conditions, conventional methods and static assumptions are no longer enough.

The Innovation Alliance, founded this past July by the transmission system operators Elia Group, 50Hertz, TenneT, Terna, RTE, Swissgrid, Red Eléctrica and Amprion, is now inviting the tech community to accelerate practical solutions that improve the resilience of the electric infrastructure against climate-driven events and can be deployed across Europe.

It is reaching out to technology providers, start-ups, scale-ups, research institutes and established enterprises.

First focus area: weather-aware system operations

Extreme weather events mean that grid operators need more early warning systems, impact assessments and guidelines for variable time frames.

What we are seeking in the open call:

  • Weather-aware diagnostic systems that detect and diagnose the operational impact of events such as icing, lightning, salt pollution, floods, wildfires or extreme wind
  • Multi-horizon forecasting and decision-support tools that combine meteorological forecasts with grid vulnerability models and generate actionable recommendations for specific measures

Second focus area: climate-proof network planning and investments

Extreme climate events challenge long-term planning assumptions. Transmission system operators need robust, scenario-based insights to balance resilience, cost-effectiveness and system reliability across new builds and existing infrastructure.

What we are seeking in the open call:

  • Advanced climate scenarios and hazard maps that show where and how risks will materialise
  • Planning and investment decision support that can be integrated into existing TSO processes and platforms

Key dates for the open call

  • Open call time frame: now until 7 November 2025
  • Selection process: 27 November – 5 December 2025
  • Start of proof-of-concept phase: February 2026

Click  here to participate.

About the TSO Innovation Alliance

The eight transmission system operators in the Alliance represent a significant share of Europe’s transmission network. Cross-border challenges have resulted in the need for innovations to ensure the reliability, affordability and sustainability of the electricity grid. The Alliance is hoping to source solutions that improve the resilience and reliability of electricity grids across Europe in the open collaboration with technology providers.

The programme has a multi-year time frame and will address a range of focus areas in the coming years. The current open call is the first step in this long-term effort to build a future-proof European electricity grid.