Page 7 - European Energy Innovation - Summer 2016 publication
P. 7
Summer 2016 European Energy Innovation 7
BUILDING THE ENERGY UNION
priorities for President Juncker is anymore, it requires us to develop a In a nutshell, the Energy Union that we
for the EU to be the number one in more integrated approach, based on are currently building is laying down
renewables. Already today, Europe is the principles of solidarity and cross- the foundation of an integrated and
one of the most energy and carbon- border cooperation. innovative energy market that will allow
efficient economies in the world. More the EU to become world number one
than 50% of our European electricity is But if we want this fundamental energy in renewables and increase energy
CO2-free. transition to be successful, it also has to security. These are precisely the
be socially fair and consumer oriented. topics we are going to discuss during
Moreover, technological developments The Energy Union is powered by the European Sustainable Energy
are transforming the energy sector. We people as it proposes a “new deal” by Week (EUSEW) from 13 to 17 June in
are transitioning from an energy sector offering more choice, better services Brussels, the most important European
characterised by long investment cycles and more control over the way we use, conference dedicated to sustainable
for large power plants to increasing and possibly produce, energy. energy policy issues. I am looking
shares of renewable energies and more forward to this year’s edition and to
distributed generation patterns – in Important next steps will be taken further build the Energy Union all
smart grids, smart homes – putting after this summer, as the European together! l
the energy consumers at the centre Commission will adopt a package of
of the stage. 78% of new installed measures in the energy efficiency field
capacity in the past six years took place to ensure that we meet our 2030 target
in the renewables’ sector. Research, in a cost-efficient way. It will contribute
innovation and investments are more to the decarbonisation of our economy,
than crucial in that context and we enhancing our energy security,
continue to build bridges between providing Member States and investors
project promoters and investors. with more predictability and certainty,
and also boosting economic growth
The European Fund for Strategic and jobs. It will consist of the revisions
Investments (EFSI) was the first of the Energy Efficiency Directive and
initiative launched by President the Energy Performance of Buildings
Juncker which identified energy Directive, accompanied by a Smart
as one of the top priorities where Financing for Smart Buildings Initiative.
investments are needed. This is
particularly the case when it comes For consumers – both households
to building interconnections and and industries –, the Commission will
infrastructure, energy efficiency and publish this year a new energy prices
renewable energies. Today, the first and costs report. This will increase their
implementations of EFSI are already transparency by providing an overview
largely oriented towards energy on different price levels in Member
efficiency projects! States and their influence on European
competitiveness.
To fully support the energy transition,
secure our energy and keep costs Moreover, later this year the
in check, we cannot continue with Commission will put forward proposals
fragmented solutions. We will on an ambitious package on renewable
move away from a purely national energy and a new electricity market
approach to a true internal market design to boost cross-border trade,
perspective that leverages regional help embed renewables at the heart
cooperation and Union-wide strengths. of our system and increase security of
Today, security of supply cannot be supply. The package will also include a
considered as a solely national issue Bioenergy Sustainability Policy.
www.europeanenergyinnovation.eu
