The European electricity system is currently in transformation. Although having considerable excess production capacity, security of supply still gives rise to genuine concerns that require an urgent response states the opinion on Energy Union Package adopted by the European Committee of the Regions' Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) today. The rapporteur Pascal Mangin (EPP/FR) of Alsace Regional Council underlined in the document that it is essential to link the energy policy of the EU with its policy on combating climate change. Underlining this approach, the rapporteur noted "A well-functioning carbon market leading to an effective price for CO2 is the most efficient tool for achieving the desired investment in a low carbon economy".
Through this opinion, European regions and cities call for closer involvement in the work of the Commission, specifically in setting up a new initiative on "Financing for Smart Buildings". They also regret the absence of references to local authorities in key areas dealt with by the Energy Union Package, such as renewable energy, innovation and technology, security of supply and external relations.
"Local authorities as indispensable stakeholders in the Energy Union – recalls Pascal Mangin - notably when it comes to production of energy, co-financing on energy efficient and smart public buildings or energy saving in urban transport, cross-border energy infrastructures, cooperating in new storage technologies. They are also often implementing more ambitious targets than those required by EU legislation".
Continuing its call on the Commission, it seeks assurances that new state aid guidelines for energy do not create additional burdens for local and regional renewable energy and energy efficiency projects or for local models built around "smart grids" and storage which are not able to compete with big operators. It also considers that the fight against energy poverty must result from energy efficiency and transport policies as well as educational and social policies;
Finally, the opinion recognises the strategic importance of connecting gas and electricity across the EU and asks, where appropriate, to promote regulatory and legislative frameworks capable of promoting interaction between distribution networks especially in cross-border areas to optimise energy integration and use.
"I am from Alsace, a French region that has a border with Germany. We are producing electricity on both sides of the border, but there is little exchange. I think that the EU should allow us to remove borders, for electricity, for energy, and in all other respects" – concludes Pascal Mangin.
The opinion will be subject to final adoption at the CoR's plenary session in October.
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