42 Amendments of Nils TORVALDS related to 2014/2153(INI)
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the challenges posed by climate change, energy efficiency and renewable energy targets, a sustainable energy mix, energy security and the development of innovative energy technologies can only be met with a unified strategy on energy security issu and energy security can only be met with a unified strategy which addresses both issues, and which combines measures to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy - including through EU targets - leading to a sustainable European energy mix and the development of innovative energy technologies;
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Underlines that climate change, uncompetitive energy prices and an extremely high dependency on unreliable third country suppliers are threatening the sustainability of Europe's energy system;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Points out that improved energy security can be reached in a cost-efficient manner if addressed cooperatively among Member States. Stresses in this regard the importance that a properly interconnected and functional market for electricity and gas can play in diversifying supplier source and route in Europe;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission Communication entitled 'Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050' COM (2011)112 final
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on the Commission for a more proactive approach in ensuring Member States’ compliance with European legislation ensuring transparent and well- functioning energy markets;
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that increased energy security is inseparable from the need to move to a low-carbon economy; strongly calls, therefore, for a comprehensive strategy that builds on existing policy instruments, with the long-term objective of decarbonising the EU economy by 2050 in line with the Commission's Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy;
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that action will only follow if measures are put forward together with the Member States; calls on the Commission to propose concrete steps and action plans, including legislation, for both the short and the long term; underlines the importance of both research and innovation into low- carbon technologies and of local pilot projects in Member States, which contribute to energy security by improving the resilience of local systems;
Amendment 70 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Maintains that energy saving and energy efficiency are the fast and cost-effective routes to addressing issues such as energy security, external dependence, high prices and environmental concerns; underlines the potential for both, in particular in specific sectors such as buildings and transport; highlights the fact that according to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency is the world’s ‘first fuel’ by virtue of its lowest cost, availability and sustainability; emphasises the need for EU and national policies to promote investments in energy efficiency as these will bring significant long-term gains for European security of supply;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
La. whereas the European Parliament on February 5, 2014 regarding the 2030 climate and energy targets called for a cut of at least 40 % CO2 emissions, at least 30 % target for renewables and a 40 % target for energy efficiency;
Amendment 89 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Takes the view that a clear 2030 goalbinding 2030 targets for climate and energy as agreed by the European Council, together with an ambitious action plan, and an effective governance structure will also serve energy security;
Amendment 92 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Emphasises that regulatory certainty based on a clear political direction is essential in order to provide European citizens and businesses with secure, sustainable and affordable energy; highlights in this respect that the European Parliament has called for a binding EU 2030 target of reducing domestic greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% compared with 1990 levels, a binding EU 2030 energy efficiency target of 40%, and a binding EU 2030 target of producing at least 30% of total final energy consumption from renewable energy sources;
Amendment 93 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that a long-term perspective is vital for creating a stable framework for the necessary investments in European energy infrastructures, and that it is therefore important that a legislative framework for climate and energy for the period 2020-2030 is put in place without delay; therefore calls on the Commission to bring forward all the necessary proposals as soon as possible, based on the normal legislative procedure; expects that these proposals will be based on a review of the effectiveness of existing policies and will be geared towards a broad deployment of sustainable indigenous European low- carbon energy sources;
Amendment 100 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to step up the development and deployment of low- carbon technologies and to strengthen the role of renewable energy sources in order to save on fuel imports; welcomes the Commission’s view of renewable energy as a , as expressed in the Energy Roadmap 2050 and endorsed by Parliament, that energy efficiency, renewable energies and energy infrastructure are the ‘no-regrets’ option ands; stresses the importance of developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage solutions;
Amendment 105 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to step up the development and deployment of low- carbon technologies and to strengthen the role of renewable energy sources, also at distributed level, in order to save on fuel imports; welcomes the Commission’'s view of renewable energy as a no-regrets option and stresses the importance of developing smarter distribution energy grids and new energy storage solutions;
Amendment 110 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Points out that Europe is currently a global leader in renewable energy technology with around half a million jobs already created in this sector; whereas higher shares of renewables will result in longer term growth and increased energy security;
Amendment 113 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Is concerned of the fact that the lack of adequate cross-border interconnections and balancing markets is hampering the market-based integration of renewables and diminishing its contribute towards energy security;
Amendment 115 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Notes that it is essential that investments into energy transmission match the pace of investments into renewable and other sources of energy; stresses that a successful transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy requires additional interconnections that will facilitate cross-border trade and increase EU balancing capacity thereby resulting in more cost-effective integration of RES;
Amendment 116 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Considers that the persistence of energy-isolated geographical regions is in clear contradiction with the European goal of energy security. Stresses in this context, the need to set binding and time- framed minimum cross-border interconnection capacity targets. Urges the Commission to put in place adequate monitoring measures to ensure their timely achievement;
Amendment 123 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. CReiterates its calls on the Commission and the Member States to abolish all direct and indirect subsidies for fossil fuels and to make full use of funds for financing renewables, based on binding renewable targetsustainable renewable energy sources which are not yet cost-competitive with conventional energy sources, based inter alia on binding renewable targets as set out in the 2020 and 2030 frameworks;
Amendment 145 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Highlights the importance of promoting investments in the transition to a decarbonised energy system by 2050; in this regard, points out the energy security challenges faced by the transport sector and calls for effective measures for a comprehensive, sustainable and technology-neutral approach for the promotion of emissions reduction and energy efficiency in transport, including through electric transportation and renewable energy sources, for the period beyond 2020;
Amendment 146 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Stresses that further information is needed about the energy security benefits of both conventional and advanced transport fuels, particularly insofar as fossil fuels are directly or indirectly used for their production;
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that in order to deliver a genuine energy union building solidarity against external energy supply shocks, the EU must develop a fully integrated mechanism for the transmission of surplus energy across borders; In this regard Commission, Member States and Transmission Operators (TSOs) must focus on reforming the EU internal energy market architecture as well as focusing on specific infrastructure projects;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Recalls that Energy Union must help increase the availability of finance for infrastructure projects; Highlights in this regard the role that the EFSI (Juncker package), must play in ensuring that projects are attractive to private investors with stable regulatory conditions and clearly identifiable medium to long term pay-off, particularly by minimising bureaucracy and encompassing an expedient application and approval process;
Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls for the proposed Energy Union to adopt the principle of 'energy efficiency first' whereby measures to moderate energy demand must be considered, and if cost-effective, taken, ahead of any measures to increase supply, and for future PCIs to feature integrated projects where energy demand-reduction and energy supply infrastructure are planned jointly;
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the moderation of energy demand through energy efficiency, is triply crucial, impacting positively on the EU’'s energy security, competitiveness and sustainability; highlights in this regard, that according to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency investments represent the best return on investment of any energy resource;
Amendment 304 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive - especially the national roadmaps for achieving energy efficiency targets - and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and to carry out a limited review of the Energy Efficiency Directive in order to update the provisions relevant to the indicative 2030 energy efficiency improvement target of at least 27 %; believes that measure, extending the duration of its provisions while removing exemptions where possible, in order to achieve the 2030 energy efficiency target; calls for the upcoming review of the EPBD to focus on strong measures to retrofit the EU's existing buildings; recommentds and verific ambitious revision of the legislation ofn energy efficiency improvements should be an integral part of the annual European semester reportinglabelling which needs to be more dynamic and ecodesign which needs to include a wider range of consumer products;
Amendment 319 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Urges the Commission to utilize the potential of energy efficiency by proposing new legislation including; - a framework of targeted financial incentives and legal obligations to ensure a minimum, cost-optimal annual deep renovation rate for all eligible existing buildings of at least 3%; - Incentives and obligations for larger enterprises to carry out the most economical recommendations from their mandatory energy audits established under the Energy Efficiency directive; - Investment to moderate energy demand, especially in buildings, to be categorised and evaluated as infrastructure investment on a par with investment on the energy supply side, thus making it eligible for equal financing conditions; - Fully integrated planning of energy demand and supply, in order to achieve cost-optimal security of supply and avoid unnecessary or over-dimensioned infrastructure investments and stranded costs;
Amendment 335 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers that investment to moderate energy demand, especially in buildings and industry, is a significant contribution to energy security and competitiveness and that this should be taken into account when considering financial allocations;
Amendment 356 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that a long-term strategy for developing indigenous energy sources should be further promoted increasing security of supply must include the development of sustainable indigenous energy sources within the EU;
Amendment 384 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that any energy source that might contribute to energy security in the Union should be taken into account and developed in full compliance with environmental requirementsthe EUs decarbonisation objectives and the 2030 targets as well as EU competition policy;
Amendment 446 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on the Commission to assess the implementation of Directive 2009/28/EC and, in line with its Article 13 (4), the possibility to make mandatory the minimum requirements of renewables in new buildings and buildings undertaking major renovations;
Amendment 451 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Believes that in view of the vast investment needs for ageing and inadequate distribution grids and the majority of renewable energy sources being connected at distribution grid level, specific initiatives to foster DSO investments including financial instruments should be considered by the Commission and the Member States;
Amendment 452 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20d. Urges the Commission to undertake a clear national break-down of the resulting renewable energy development to foster investor certainty, which must lead to binding and enforceable national commitments in this regard; Recalls the detrimental effect of retroactive changes to incentive mechanisms which have been particularly damaging to the investment climate for renewables during the past three years and should be targeted as a priority;
Amendment 458 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Commission to introduce common standards for smart grids, since they ensure a stable supply and free flow of energy across borders and contribute to energy security; highlights in this regard the role that developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage facilities can play increasing the level of RES on a European scale and ensuring that such infrastructure is developed in conjunction with regional RES hubs;
Amendment 466 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that a more decentralised energy system, with power and heat sources being placed closer to the point of usage, diminishes the risk of attacking vulnerable infrastructure and simultaneously provides business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to facilitate further development of local renewable energy sources and of local distribution networks, including thermal grids (district heating)networks;
Amendment 496 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses that effective use of research and technological innovations fosters the leadership of European industry and contributesstrengthens the competitive advantage and commercial viability of European business and industry while contributing to the main EU energy policy goals, including security of supply, competitiveness and sustainable development of energy production, transportation and consumption;
Amendment 526 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that the commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions must not undermine the EU economy’s global competitiveness; considers, therefore, that a complex approach to climate change and competitiveness is neededentails investment in renewable energy and vastly increased energy efficiency;
Amendment 534 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls for the redistribution of subsidies in order to focus on the entire innovation chain in order to unlock the full potential of existing and developing technologies in order to strengthen domestic energy production;
Amendment 582 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls for the development of well- integrated and competitive regional electricity and gas markets – including, where necessary, capacity markets – covering all parts of the Union; demands that the Commission act decisively against all instances of protectionism, anti- competitive behaviour and barriers to market entry and exit;
Amendment 586 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Welcomes the Commission's report on subsidies and costs of EU energy from 10th October 2014, and calls on the Commission to annually update this report, in order to better identify which sectors and areas are in need of additional funds, and those sectors vulnerable to market distortions as a result of subsidies;
Amendment 642 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Emphasises that acceleration of the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects is highly necessary, and therefore encourages the Commission to participate more actively in this process; highlights that infrastructure investment encompass both energy demand and energy supply measures;
Amendment 648 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Urges the Commission to evaluate the necessity and potential role of a European strategy for back-up capacities to ensure internal resilience to external supply side shocks;