Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy, said that Europe has neglected its energy security, making the issue a critical strategic priority.
This shift in focus is vital because the decisions made by policymakers and industry leaders today will determine the resilience of the power grid for several decades. As the continent transitions its energy sources, the stability of the infrastructure becomes a matter of national and economic security.
In an interview produced by McKinsey, Schierenbeck said how energy has transitioned from a background utility to a primary strategic concern. He said that the lack of previous investment and planning has left the region vulnerable. This perspective was echoed in a separate interview with CNBC on April 2, 2026 [3], where he said, "We have neglected energy security."
Hitachi Energy currently operates in more than 140 countries [2], providing a global perspective on how different regions handle grid stability. Schierenbeck took over the role of chief executive officer on July 1, 2024 [1], succeeding Claudio Facchin.
According to the CEO, the urgency of the current situation stems from the need to modernize aging infrastructure while integrating new, volatile energy sources. He said the long-term resilience of the grid depends on immediate, strategic investments to avoid future systemic failures.
The conversation highlighted that energy security is no longer just about the availability of fuel; it is about the physical and digital integrity of the transmission networks that deliver power to millions of citizens and businesses across Europe.
“"We have neglected energy security."”
The warning from Hitachi Energy suggests that Europe's rapid transition to green energy may have outpaced its infrastructure upgrades. By framing energy security as a strategic priority, Schierenbeck is signaling that the physical grid is now a potential single point of failure for the European economy, requiring a massive shift in capital investment and policy focus to ensure stability.
