EU energy infrastructure
Mixed outcome as MEPs vote to prioritise renewables smart grid but also for CO2 pipes
Proposals on EU funds for cross border energy infrastructure projects from 2014-20 (Connecting Europe Facility), as well as defining the criteria for the selection of these projects, were today voted on by MEPs on the transport and energy committees (1). The Greens gave a mixed verdict to the energy aspects of the proposals, with Green energy spokesperson Claude Turmes stating:
"MEPs have today voted to ensure EU funds focus on energy infrastructure projects that can promote the uptake of renewable energy. In stipulating that three-quarters of all energy funds under the Connecting Europe Facility are devoted to electricity projects, MEPs have voted for this key EU programme to target the shift to a renewables-based economy, and the necessary smart grid investment this will require.
"Regrettably, MEPs have also voted in favour of funding 'CO2 transport networks'. This implies projects that are designed to prolong fossil fuel use. Worse, few carbon capture and storage projects will be shovel ready before 2020 (the end of the next EU budget period), so this money would effectively be lost funding."
(1) A joint meeting of the transport and energy committees voted on the proposed Connecting Europe Facility (which includes transport and energy infrastructure). While welcoming some of the energy aspects of the proposal, the Greens voted against the CEF, because of the provisions on transport. The energy committee also voted on criteria for infrastructure projects.
