In a rare invitation to an external expert, Professor Jan Rosenow, who leads the Energy Programme at the University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute (ECI), addressed the European Union’s Energy Council in Luxembourg at the formal invitation of the Danish EU Presidency today.
Addressing energy ministers from all 27 EU member states, Professor Rosenow presented the second public item on the Council’s agenda, “Electrification as a driver of a competitive and clean transition.” His presentation outlined a bold, research-based blueprint for restoring Europe’s industrial competitiveness through electrification and energy efficiency. He said:
Europe stands at a crossroads. If we act now to embrace industrial electrification and energy efficiency, we can cut costs, strengthen energy security, and build a modern, competitive, and resilient economy fit for the 21st century.
"Many of the solutions are there. What truly matters for competitiveness is not only the input price, but the cost of the final product. Electrification drastically cuts the energy needed for each unit produced.” He highlighted industrial heat pumps and other mature electrification solutions that deliver much higher efficiency resulting in productivity gains that translate directly into lower unit costs and stronger global positioning for European manufacturers.
"This is the defining energy issue in Europe right now — and it’s encouraging to see such strong interest from policymakers and the media alike in turning research into practical action. By putting the right policy framework in place we will not just decarbonise our industry; we will build a 21st century industrial powerhouse that is modern, competitive, and secure.”
Drawing on his latest Oxford research, Professor Rosenow highlighted how electrifying industrial processes—using proven technologies such as industrial heat pumps and electric boilers—can significantly improve productivity and lower energy costs.
He identified four key challenges currently slowing progress:
- Outdated electricity pricing structures that penalise clean power.
- Slow grid connection processes.
- Long equipment replacement cycles.
- A widening industrial skills gap.
To overcome these barriers and unlock Europe’s competitive advantage, he urged policymakers to:
- Scale up the EU industrial electrification auction to attract major investment.
- Reform energy taxation to create a level playing field between electricity and fossil fuels.
- Accelerate grid connections through smarter planning and financing models.
This landmark appearance by an Oxford academic—one of very few external experts ever invited to brief the Council in this way—underscores the ECI’s leadership in shaping European and global energy policy. The invitation to attend followed the publication of a recent paper by Professor Rosenow, The heat is on: Policy solutions for industrial electrification.
Professor Rosenow’s expert intervention provided a foundation for the ministers’ confidential deliberations and exemplifies how Oxford University’s academic excellence is directly shaping the future of European industrial and energy policy.
Watch a recording of Professor Jan Rosenow’s presentation on industrial electrification at the EU Energy Council.