The European Commission has presented an €80 billion package for research and innovation funding, as part of the drive to create sustainable growth and new jobs in Europe. The new programme, “Horizon 2020″ will make it easier for applicants to seek funding and is designed to help bring more good ideas to market.
Environment Commissioner Janez Poto?nik wants 2013 to be the “Year of Air” and is pushing for stronger air quality laws across the European Union. But with many member states failing to enforce current rules, the commissioner could face an uphill battle. The European Commission has begun a comprehensive review of existing laws that could lead within a year to changes in the 2008 air quality directive. The directive is credited, along with a host of other pollution-related laws, in steady improvements in air quality since the EU started setting standards in the 1990s. Still, major challenges lie ahead. Levels of some noxious pollutants are on the rise after a decade of declines, and a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that more than 95% of city residents in the European Union regularly breathe ozone levels that exceed the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended levels. “It’s very clear we’ve been able to reduce emissions but that those emissions have not translated into ambient air quality,” Jacqueline McGlade, who heads the Copenhagen-based EEA, said recently in Brussels. “We have in Europe put in place fairly aggressive targets to reduce emissions,” she said, “but actually what we now understand is that [...]
The unlocking of Europe’s full potential for renewable energy via the modernisation and expansion of its power grids should go hand-in-hand with nature conservation efforts, said a coalition of Europe’s largest grid operators and environmental organisations. The “European Grid Declaration on Electricity Network Development and Nature Conservation in Europe” was handed to European Commissioner for Energy Günther H. Oettinger in Brussels on 10 November 2011 - at the European Grid Conference in Brussels. In October, the European Commission put forward a draft law making it easier to build and finance cross-border power lines, which are essential to making Europe’s energy system greener. The coalition of grid operators and civil society organisations supports Europe’s ambition to boost renewable electricity and cut carbon emissions. Read the full press release including quotes and the full text of the European Grid Declaration including the list of inaugural signatories. More information: Renewable Grid Initiative
The Commission adopted on October 19, 2011 a proposal to transform the existing patchwork of European roads, railways, airports and canals into a unified transport network (TEN-T). The new core network will remove bottlenecks, upgrade infrastructure and streamline cross border transport operations for passengers and businesses throughout the EU. It will improve connections between different modes of transport and contribute to the EU’s climate change objectives. Art 10 on “Priorities” of the proposed new TEN T Guidelines states that “the Union, Member States, infrastructure managers and other project promoters, when developing the comprehensive network, shall give particular consideration to measures that are necessary for ensuring fuel security by allowing the use of alternative and in particular low or zero carbon energy sources and propulsion systems.
This proposal also aims at ensuring that strategic energy networks and storage facilities are completed by 2020 with 9,1 billion Euros for energy infrastructure priorities. To this end, the Commission has identified 12 priority corridors and areas covering electricity, gas, oil and carbon dioxide transport networks. It proposes a regime of “common interest” for projects contributing to implementing these priorities and having obtained this label. Energy storage projects will be included. It is not yet clear how much of the budget is dedicated to renewable energy infrastructure.
October 27-28th During the 4th HyRaMP AGM, 32 member regions agreed to aim “HyER” in accelerating zero emissions vehicles. HyRaMP has now changed to become “HyER”, Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Electromobility in European Regions. The event presented the new structure of the organisation, and welcomed two new members, the City of Rotterdam and the Region of Poitou Charentes.
Belgium’s political parties have reached a conditional agreement to shut down the country’s two remaining nuclear power stations. The plan for a shutdown of the three oldest reactors by 2015 and a complete exit by 2025 is conditional on finding enough energy from alternative sources to prevent any shortages. In 2009, atomic energy provided 55% of the country’s electricity generation.
On 19 October 2011, the European Commission unveiled its proposal for a Regulation on “Guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure”. This proposal aims at ensuring that strategic energy networks and storage facilities are completed by 2020. To this end, the Commission has identified 12 priority corridors and areas covering electricity, gas, oil and carbon dioxide transport networks. It proposes a regime of “common interest” for projects contributing to implementing these priorities and having obtained this label. also energy storage projects will be included. It is not clear how much of the budget is dedicated to renewable energy infrastructure.
For more information see: EU Energy Infrastructure 2020
The Commission present a package of proposals to establish integrated European infrastructure networks in the areas of transport, energy and information and communication technologies. This “Connecting Europe” package delivers on the commitments made in the Commission’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework presented in June 2011. The package consists of a range of legislative and policy proposals, including a Connecting Europe Facility and revised guidelines on transport, energy and ICT. As part of the package, the Commission will also adopt a proposal for the launch of the pilot phase of the Europe 2020 Project Bond Initiative as announced in Presidnet Barroso’s State of the Union Address. This is an integrated package of proposals which will all be presented on 19th October. President Barroso’s website: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/president/index_en.htm Commission website on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020: http://ec.europa.eu/budget/reform/
The European Parliament’s committee on Transport and Tourism discussed in a meeting on September 8th 2011 the consideration of a draft report presented by Parliamentarian Mathieu Grosch. The report was presented with the inclusion of hydrogen powered vehicles as an option that shall be decided by the member states along with other available options.
The report explains “European Parliament should be technology-neutral, as each source of alternative energy has specific characteristics and bears certain advantages and disadvantages. Whether electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles, biofuels, synthetic fuels, LPG or biogas are used or can be used depends on the form of transport and Member States themselves. In my opinion, only a mix of energy sources can provide realistic and sustainable solutions.”
Mr. Grosch proposes targets to cut CO2 emissions by 20% in road transport and 30% in air transport and shipping by 2020. He also wants energy consumption and noise in the rail sector to fall by 20%.
The FCH Joint Undertaking is coordinating a joint exhibition of five European Technology Initiatives that will take place in the European Parliament in Brussels on 4-6 October 2011. The event will also include presentation of all the FCH JU major achievements and activities.