120 Amendments of Jude KIRTON-DARLING related to 2015/2113(INI)
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication entitled "Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050" (COM (2011) 0112),
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication entitled "The Future of Carbon Capture and Storage in Europe" (COM(2013)0180),
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 a (new)
Citation 25 a (new)
– having regard to the Covenant of Mayors, established in the 2008 EU Climate and Energy Package, who represent one third of the EU population,
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas defining the energy mix of Member States is an exclusiveprimarily a national competence, and therefore energy mixes remain highly diversified;
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Energy Union should be based on a transition away from fossil fuels and towards the three pillars of energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart infrastructure;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the European Parliament has twice called for binding 2030 climate and energy targets of at least 40% reduction in CO2 emissions, at least 30% for renewables and 40% for energy efficiency to be implemented by means of individual national targets; whereas binding national and EU targets for energy efficiency and renewables create growth and jobs and would help secure the EU's technological leadership in these fields;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas measures for developing the Energy Union and achieving the 2030 climate targets must take full account of the impacts on energy prices, costs and the competitiveness of the EU economy in order to get the necessary support from citizens and industry; whereas such measures must therefore be in accordance with the principle of "energy efficiency first";
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas measures for developing the Energy Union and achieving the 2030 climate & energy targets must take full account of the impacts on energy prices, and focus on synergies and further market integration which will help reduce overall costs and improve the competitiveness of the EU economy in order to get the necessary support from citizens and industry;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Energy Union should be a new energy model for Europe, based on strong cross-cutting legislative grounds and strong objectives; governance of the Energy Union must be transparent; guaranteeing a stable framework and including the European Parliament in the decision making-process while promoting the role of local authorities and citizens;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the goal of a resilient Energy Union with an ambitious climate policy at its core is to give EU consumensure the transition to a new energy model which empowers – households and businesses –to produce and consume secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy; other high priority goals include creating jobs and reducing energy poverty;
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the issue of energy poverty needs to be tackled within the framework of the Energy Union by empowering vulnerable consumers, improving energy efficiency for the most vulnerable and developing curative measures making energy affordable for those in need;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas energy poverty can be defined as the inability of a household to support an adequate level of energy supply so as to guarantee basic levels of comfort and health, due to a combination of low income, high energy prices and low quality housing stock;
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the future vision of the Energy Union must be one in which Member States recognise that they depend on each other to deliver secure energy to their citizens, based on true solidarity and trust, and in which the Energyuropean Union speaks with one voice in global affairs;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas EU energy and climate policies mustare complement each another, and their objectives must reinforce rather than undermine one another;ary, and the Energy Union should therefore complement European reindustrialisation targets, boost the transition to a low-emission economy andand low- consumption economy based on energy efficiency and renewable energy which will enhance the global competitiveness of the European economy, greatly improve the EU's balance of payments while effectively avoiding any threat of carbon leakage;
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU imports more than half of all the energy it consumes, its import dependency is particularly high for crude oil (more than 90 %) and natural gas (66 %), and the total import bill is more than EUR 1 billion per day; whereas a primary goal of the energy union should be to sharply reduce the need for energy imports;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the EU's external energy bill represents more than EUR 1 billion per day – EUR 400 billion in 2013 – and more than one fifth of total EU imports; whereas the global price for oil has dropped significantly providing EU an opportunity to take major steps in transforming our energy landscape, by investing in renewable energy production, by grasping the energy efficiency potential in buildings and industry and developing smart infrastructure; whereas money spent on importing fossil fuels contributes little to investment, jobs or growth in the Union and redirecting this money to internal investments would stimulate growth and create high-quality, high skilled local jobs;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas many countries are heavily reliant on a single supplier, including some that rely entirely on Russia for their natural gas and others that heavily rely on Northern Africa, which could leaves them vulnerable to supply disruptions, whether these are caused by political or commercial disputes, or infrastructure failure;
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the 2006 and 2009 gas disputes between Russia and transit-country Ukraine left many EU countries with severe shortages; whereas the disruptions show that measures taken so far to interconnect European energy markets, increase energy efficiency and deploy renewable energy sources have been insufficient to eliminate Europe's reliance on Russian gas;
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
Ma. whereas in order to avoid market instability, the Commission should encourage long-term electric contracts so as to ensure a necessary return on investments, especially in the case of capital-intensive industries; against market instability it is possible to conclude electricity long-term contract under certain condition, which must be compatible with a necessary return on investment, and a duration of no less than 15 years in the case of capital-intensive industries, the European Commission should encourage this possibility;
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)
Recital P a (new)
Pa. whereas it is unlikely that shale gas can be produced in Europe as cheaply as in the US and it is estimated production costs could be twice as high due to geological and geographical differences, higher population density and lack of natural gas infrastructure in many places;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P c (new)
Recital P c (new)
Pc. whereas EU energy and environmental policies should be driven by the strict application of the precaution principle;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas EU companies have a share of 40 % of all patents for renewable technologies and employ over a million people, which makes it a global leader as regards investment in renewable energy;
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas, notwithstanding its global dominance in investment in renewable energy, the IEA's World Energy Outlook 2014 predicts that based on planned policies, global energy demand towill grow by 37 % by 2040 and global coal demand by 15 % by 2040although growing by 15 % over the same period, actually shrinks as a percentage of overall energy demand; whereas the share of gas in 2040 is projected to decrease in Europe back to 2010 levels; whereas nonetheless these projections would mean a 3.6°C increase in global temperatures, clearly at odds with the UN goal of a maximum 2°C temperature rise;
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital T
Recital T
T. whereas a more economically and physically integrated single market in energy could result in significant efficiency gains of some EUR 50 billion;
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital T a (new)
Recital T a (new)
Ta. whereas switching energy suppliers is an extremely important tool to help drive competition in energy retail markets and bring down prices; however attention must be paid to the risk of less-informed citizens who are less likely to compare and switch providers being stranded on uncompetitive outdated tariffs, thus perversely subsidising the more savvy and informed consumers;
Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital T b (new)
Recital T b (new)
Tb. whereas the European Parliament has asked for binding targets for minimum cross-border transmission capacity;
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital U
Recital U
U. whereas better interconnection levels for electricity and gas will increase energy security while balancing supply and demand between the Member States; achieving a minimum binding target of 10% of electricity interconnections by 2020 will not only increase energy security while balancing supply and demand between the Member States and enabling a better integration of the renewable energies in the grid and the market, but it will also foster price convergence and increase benefits for consumers;
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital U a (new)
Recital U a (new)
Ua. whereas new interconnections will also require additional reinforcements of the existing grid in order to fully use their capacity;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital V a (new)
Recital V a (new)
Va. whereas an increase in interconnectivity between Members States will bring considerable benefits to the internal energy market, particularly with regards to security of supply, integration of low-carbon technologies and consumer prices;
Amendment 227 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital X
Recital X
X. whereas the International Energy Agency's estimates that the EU is responsible for 11 % of global greenhouse gas emissions and that this proportion is set to decrease in the future thanks to policies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energies; whereas the EU's contribution to lowering global emissions must happen alongside that of other major emitters;
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital X a (new)
Recital X a (new)
Xa. whereas it is recognised that Carbon, Capture and Storage can make a decisive contribution to fight climate change, and specifically can help reduce the cost of the transition to a decarbonised energy market and a low carbon economy;
Amendment 239 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Y
Recital Y
Y. whereas diversification of supplies, the completion of the internal energy market, more efficient energy consumption, the development of indigenousrenewable and other sustainable energy resources and R&D activities are the key drivers of the Energy Union;
Amendment 258 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises that the Energy Union should adopt a comprehensive approach focusing on dimensions such as achievement of a fully integrated internal energy market, security of supply, moderation of energy demand, decarbonisation of the energy mix, essentially based on renewable energy sources, and research and innovation aiming for energy technology leadership: stresses that European citizens should be at the core of the Energy Union; calls for bottom-up approaches and the recognition of the importance of a well- functioning, efficient and reliable energy system on the local level;
Amendment 294 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that all EU infrastructure projects aimed at diversifying energy sources, suppliers and routes must be fully in line with EU legislation and EU energy security priorities while ensuring a high and efficient utilization of the already existing energy infrastructures;
Amendment 322 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that, in the context of the future Energy Union, security of energy supply is one of the most pressing issue and that Member States must coordinate and cooperate in this respect with their neighbours when developing their energy policies; calls on the Commission, in this respect, to examine how the current architecture of national preventive and emergency response measures could be streamlined at both regional and EU level;
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that, in the context of the future Energy Union, security of energy supply is the most pressing issue and that Member States must coordinate and cooperate in this respect with their neighbours when developing their energy policies; calls on the Commission, in this respect, to examine how the current architecture of national preventive and emergency response measures could be streamlinimproved at both regional and EU level;
Amendment 336 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Commission to set up a comprehensive framework for the external dimension of the Energy Union, with specific reference to the promotion of strategic partnerships with producing and transit third countries and taking into account the current state of regional cooperation; previous and new strategic partnership should be considered and explored in order to enhance dialogue and cooperation on oil and natural gas, energy efficiency and renewable sources, trade and interconnections of the Energy Union with external electricity grids;
Amendment 364 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that greater transparency of intergovernmental agreements could be achieved by strengthening the role of the Commission in energy-related negotiations involving one or more Member States and third countries, including by having the Commission participate in those negotiations if there is a risk of abuse of a dominant position by one supplier; notes that furthermore the Commission should carry out ex-ante and ex-post assessments and draw up both a positive and a negative list of agreement clauses, such as export ban and destination clauses;
Amendment 411 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to consider establishing an EU-wide target for reducing energy import dependency and to publish regular progress reports in this respect; however, considers that properly enforceable and binding targets or energy efficiency and renewable energies are the primary means of reducing import dependency; Calls on the Commission to propose a revision of the Regulation (EU) 994/2010 on security of gas supply with a view to enhancing reserves, possibly establishing common strategic reserves and so as to facilitate a switch from gas to renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar, wind, marine renewables, and biomass where that biomass conforms with ILUC;
Amendment 416 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Emphasises that it is essential to increase the participation of European industry and technology in the entire energy production chain, which includes not only raw materials but also generation, refinement, storage, transportation and distribution, since these are crucial elements for decreasing the EU's dependence on energy imports;
Amendment 423 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that diversity in the energy mixes of Member States, based on their respective potential, experience, know-how and economic costs and needs, is an asset to the EU as a whole, since it strengthens its resilience to supply disruptions, enables it to make cost-optimal energy choices and allows different technologies to develop and compete on the market, thereby driving down the costs of energy; stresses however that a cross-cutting, stable and transparent governance framework for the Energy Union, based on fully implementing legislation and setting binding targets and strong objectives would strengthen the EU's resilience to supply disruption, enable it to make cost- optimal choices, thereby driving down the costs of energy. Binding national and EU targets for energy efficiency and renewables create growth and jobs and would help secure the EU's technological leadership in these fields;
Amendment 434 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that the Union can reduce its dependency on particular suppliers and fuels by maximising its use of indigenousrenewable sources of energy, including conv and the potentional and unconventional low-emission fossil fuels and renewables, and therefore stresses that no fuel or technology contributing to energy security and climate goals should be discriminated againstfor energy efficiency in building and transport. Energy efficiency and demand- side response must be able to compete on equal terms with generation capacity, taking into account the benefits to be gained from energy efficiency;
Amendment 438 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that the Union can reduce its dependency on particular suppliers and fuels by maximising its use of indigenousrenewable sources of energy, including conventional and unconv and the potentional low-emission fossil fuels and renewables, and therefore stresses that no fuel or technology contributing to energy security and climate goals should be discriminated against;for energy efficiency in buildings and transport
Amendment 453 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 468 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Considers that the use of hydraulic fracturing in the Union entails risks and negative consequences for the climate, environment and public health, and threatens achievement of the EU's long- term decarbonisation goal. Furthermore, due to the limited potential of unconventional fuels to help meet the EU's future energy demand, coupled with high investment and exploitation costs, considers that hydraulic fracturing is not a promising technology. Therefore urges the Member States not to authorise any new exploration or extraction operations of unconventional fuels within the EU until it is proven, safe for the environment, citizens and workers;
Amendment 484 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission to facilitate the effective use of existing EU funding schemes, including the European Fund for Strategic Investments, so as to support investment in the development of Europe's indigachieve and exceed the European Council's 2030 climate and energy objectives of reducing greenhous energy resources, based on a technology-neutral approach;e gas emissions by at least 40%; increasing the share of renewable energy by at least 27% and increasing energy efficiency by at least 27% (having in mind a 30% target),
Amendment 494 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission, and in particular DG TRADE, to continue to press for a dedicated energy chapter within the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), with a view to removing US export restrictions on both crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and eliminating unjustified protectionist measures; Calls on the Commission, in this respect, to also ensure that any such energy chapter also includes provisions to increase cooperation between EU and US governmentally funded energy research programmes, particularly the US ARPA-E programme.
Amendment 505 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the Energy Community through, inter alia, better implementation and enforcement of EU law, enhancing its institutions and implementing key infrastructure projects in order to ensure better integration with the EU energy market and security of supply mechanisms, avoiding the need of national capacity markets that undermine the effectiveness of the internal energy market;
Amendment 519 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that the future Energy Union must establish a free flow of energy across EU countries as the fifth European freedom alongside free movement of people, goods, capital and services;
Amendment 524 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the importance for strengthening energy independence of short-term measures such as reducing energy demand, development of renewables and their storage, storage of gas, development of reverse gas flow infrastructure, support of new projects, which enable maximum use of existing infrastructure, preparation of regional security of supply plans, and more effective use of the opportunities to import liquefied natural gas, especially in those Member States which are exclusively dependent on, or unduly vulnerable to, one single supplier of natural gas; draws attention to the key importance of improving links between Member States' networks in order to establish an integrated energy market; points out that for all these reasons there is a vital need for cooperation between the European cities and municipalities, regions, energy cooperatives and local initiatives in various sectors, the Commission, Member States, neighbouring countries, regulatory bodies, ACER transmission system operators, gas suppliers and storage operators;
Amendment 542 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that the backbone of the future Energy Union must be a fully functioning internal energy market that delivers secure, competitive and sustainable energy to enable EU companies and consumers to access gas and electricity in the most sustainable, efficient and cost-effective way possible;
Amendment 555 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Commission to monitor the evolution of final energy prices in Europe, including taxes, levies, subsidies and any other hidden costs, with a view to identify actions that may help reduce such prices;
Amendment 562 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Considers that as part of any review of the retail energy markets, serious consideration should be given to further measures to protect consumers such as encouraging and promoting collective switching schemes, requiring energy bills to include comparisons with competitors based on historical consumption patterns, requiring suppliers to automatically place their customers on the most advantageous tariff available, and ensuring a limited, easily comparable range of standardised tariffs;
Amendment 601 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the need for full implementation and enforcement of existing EU energy legislation and for a swift adoption of ambitious European network codes and guidelines, which must go hand in hand with strengthening the competences and resources of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSO-G);
Amendment 602 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses that a properly designed future model of the electricity market in the EU must aim at a more market-based and optimal, from the point of view of network security, integrationfully take into account the changing nature of energy supply and demand, including the increased uptake of micro- generation, demand-response technology and the ever-increasing share of renewable energy sources;
Amendment 623 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls for the development of well- integrated and competitive regional electricity and gas markets that ensure the adequacy and flexibility of the energy system covering all parts of the Union; demands that the Commission act decisively and transparently against all instances of protectionism, anti- competitive behaviour and barriers to market entry and exit; emphasises the importance to ensure stable national regulatory frameworks, address administrative barriers and stream-line national administrative procedures, also to guarantee a level playing field for citizens based projects;
Amendment 628 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Calls on the Commission to implement key infrastructure projects in order to ensure better integration with the EU energy market and security of supply mechanism;
Amendment 637 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Believes that national capacity mechanisms should only be used as a last resort, once all other options have been considered, including increased interconnection with neighbouring countries, demand-side response measures and other forms of regional market integration;
Amendment 640 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Calls on the Commission to take steps to enhance interconnection by reducing permitting time for infrastructure projects;
Amendment 653 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls on the Commission to shorten the lead time allowing projects to qualify as Projects of Common Interest (PCI), to ensure that new interconnector projects may receive EU support in a timely manner;
Amendment 654 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to support the use of PCIs for the roll out of low carbon technologies, including transport and storage infrastructure for carbon dioxide; specifically to aid the development of vital technologies which require significant initial investments and support the creation of regional hubs;
Amendment 655 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls on the European Commission to revise the PCI criteria to allow for smart grid projects to be prioritised, bearing in mind that distributed generation is connected to the distribution grids, which requires them to adapt to new dynamics through upgraded grids;
Amendment 656 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Stresses that the deployment of smart distribution grids needs to be facilitated through accelerated permission procedures as well as political support and adapted regulatory frameworks for network operators, that recognise the changing needs for investments and incentivise investments in ICT and automation on an equal footing with traditional grid extension;
Amendment 678 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Supports regional approaches where there are particular regional challenges or opportunities, or where acting regionally could speed up market integration, including through the creation of regional hubs to enhance market liquidity or support appropriate infrastructure for the transportation and storage of carbon dioxide;
Amendment 699 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Points out that in order to successfully balance the internal market, investment is needed not only in interconnectors but also in, inter alia, storage capacity, such as LNG terminals and smart grids, in order to cope with enhanced renewable and distributed generation;
Amendment 715 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses the need to create a legislative framework that empowers consumers and makes them active participants in the market as investors and stakeholders; notes that consumers' involvement can be strengthened through, inter alia, energy cooperatives and micro-generation and enhanced transparency of prices and consumer choices; points out that such initiatives could contribute to reducing energy prices and help address serious social problems, such as fuel poverty; in this regard, ask the Commission to ensure that Member States fully implement the Third Energy Package and come up with a definition of vulnerable consumers; ask the Commission to gather impact assessments and collection of best practices of measures taken at national level to fight energy poverty and make sure that those best practices are centralised and promoted by a dedicated European body;
Amendment 717 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Notes that a more decentralised and flexible energy system, with power and heat sources being placed closer to the point of consumption, can facilitate small- scale energy generation and therefore empowers consumers to be more involved in the energy market, control their own energy use, diminishes transmission and distribution losses, the risk of attacking improves the resilience of energy infrastructure and simultaneously provides local business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to facilitate further development and expansion of local and regional renewable energy sources and of local and regional distribution networks and district heating networks through policies that tackle existing barriers and help bring about market transformation; calls on the Commission to propose guidelines on energy self-consumption in order to promote its use and protect the rights of consumers;
Amendment 719 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Calls on the European Commission to adapt policies to the need of an increasingly decentralising energy system, giving long-term investments signals in renewable sources, effective energy efficiency measures and smart distribution networks that facilitate an efficient, reliable and flexible supply and demand of energy, providing energy security at local level;
Amendment 726 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Calls on the Commission to integrate local actors into EU energy policy, and bring forward a proposal to establish decentralised advice and capacity building centres to equip and support local authorities to deal with energy providers on an equal footing, and to support the development of local energy production through cooperatives, locally established companies, and municipal authorities;
Amendment 738 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
Amendment 751 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Recalls that the moderation of energy demand, in particular energy demand used for heating, through energy savings and energy efficiency is crucial for a number of reasons, impacting positively on the EU's energy security, competitiveness, economic growth and sustainability, as well as on energy affordability, combatting energy poverty and creating sustainable jobs; highlights in this regard, that according to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency investments represent the best return on investment of any energy resource; calls on the European Commission and the Member States to treat energy efficiency as an energy source in its own right representing the value of energy saved; underlines that energy efficiency and demand-side response shall compete on equal terms with generation capacity, taking due consideration of urgent and exceptional energy security problems and whenever is technically feasible; therefore encourages Member States to give energy efficiency primary consideration in their policies;
Amendment 760 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Stresses that a binding energy efficiency target would be the cost- efficient way to reduce Europe's energy dependency while at the same time protecting industry and households from rising energy bills; recalls that the European Parliament adopted in its resolutions of 5 February 2014 and 26 November 2014 three binding targets including an energy efficiency target of 40%, a renewables target of at least 30% and a GHG target of at least 40%; deplores in this context the lack of ambition on energy efficiency shown by the European Council in their October 2014 summit, in setting a non-binding target of just 27% with no individual targets for Member States;
Amendment 765 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 c (new)
Paragraph 29 c (new)
29b. Stresses that energy demand in the building sector is responsible for about 40 % of energy consumption in the EU and a third of natural gas use, and that it is therefore necessary to increase both the depth and the rate of building renovation and the use of sustainable energy sources in heating and cooling, through the right incentives in order to reduce energy demand; recommends the continuation of increasing energy efficiency standards for buildings taking account of and encouraging technical innovation; further recommends continued support for the construction of nearly zero-energy buildings as an additional crucial step in securing energy independence and a sustainable and secure energy system; emphasises in this context the need to develop innovative sources of private financing and encourages greater involvement of the European Investment Bank and the EFSI to complement national financing schemes to improve the competitiveness of industry and create more growth and jobs; this should also create benefits for citizens including a reduction in energy bills and an improvement in standards of living;
Amendment 766 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
Amendment 786 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Recalls that 40% of the energy in Europe is consumed in buildings and that renovation rates are low, stresses that all existing legislation in this regard must be implemented fully and speedily, and that all forms of EU funding schemes must be easily understandable and accessible;
Amendment 805 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Believes that it will be importantthe best way to avoid any over-prescriptive legislation that canmight constrain domestic policy choices about how best to promote energy efficiency within a national context would be to have an EU level binding target, translated into individual national targets;
Amendment 809 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Believes that theenergy-efficiency has a crucial primary role in Energy Union as the "first fuel", as supported by the International Energy Agency, and furthermore considers energy efficiency the cheapest and fastest way to strengthen the EU's industrial competitiveness and lower the bills of EU consumers; however, recognises that energy-efficiency targets must work alongside energy and climate goals and strengthen the competitiveness of the EU economy vis-à- vis its major trade partners;
Amendment 811 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Believes that the energy-efficiency target must work alongsideis vital to achieve the EU's energy and climate goals and strengthen the competitiveness of the EU economy vis-à- vis its major trade partners, building on the EU's competitive advantage in energy efficient technologies;
Amendment 813 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
Amendment 828 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive - especially the National Energy Efficiency Plans (NEEAPs) and National Renovation Strategies - and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive ; calls on the Commission to carry out a revision of the Energy Efficiency and Energy Performance of Buildings Directives in order to achieve the EU 2030 energy efficiency improvement target, putting a stronger emphasis on helping vulnerable consumers and tackling energy poverty; believes that in the context of this enforcement measurement and verification of energy efficiency improvements should be done on a regular basis; in this regards, measures for retro fitting of existing buildings should prioritize the most vulnerable consumers in low quality accommodation or social housing; conditions to target European funds for energy efficiency on vulnerable consumers should be put in place; criteria for a certain percentage of energy obligation schemes to target low income consumers should be set;
Amendment 831 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Calls on the Commission to recognise the value of small scale and local infrastructure and investment planning in energy policy planning as part of the future for sustainable energy, and to establish a unit in DG Energy to analyse the potential for small scale investments in all the projects related to the Energy Union, and to identify ways to support their development;
Amendment 846 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Acknowledges that local authorities, local companies, energy cooperatives, and community power projects of European cities undoubtedly make an important contribution to energy independence by increasing energy- efficiency through cogeneration, modernising district heating systems, increasing the use of cleaner public transport, encouraging more active travel models and renovating buildings;
Amendment 851 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Considers that investment to moderate energy demand, especially in buildings and industry, is a significant contribution to energy security, while stimulating economic growth and job creation at the same time, and that this should be taken into account when developing integrated economic instruments, building regulations and considering financial allocations; Stresses that increased EU financial support should be made available to support the Member States in achieving these energy efficiency goals and objectives;
Amendment 852 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Notes the importance of integrating the planning of energy demand and supply at the level of the EU internal energy market, with priority given to demand reduction and decentralised solutions, in order to achieve cost-optimal security of supply and avoid unnecessary or over-dimensioned infrastructure investments and stranded costs;
Amendment 853 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Calls on the Commission to offer the policy and financing tools on transport, urban planning, energy efficiency planning; to support small scale investments and locally led investments, working with the Covenant of Mayors;
Amendment 874 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Underlines the crucial role of renewables in the EU in attaining its greenhouse gas reduction targets; underlines that, in this regard, the current market design should be improved by fully integrating renewables into the market and introducing cost-reflective balancing prices, increasing energy security, reducing energy imports, improving air quality and creating employment;
Amendment 882 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to guarantee transparency, consistency, stability and continuity of regulatory renewable energy frameworks and to avoid retroactive changes in economic conditions of investments in order to strengthen investors' confidence and to contribute to a cost-efficient deployment of renewable energy across the EU regions; stresses the need for better coordination of support schemes in line with the European Commission Guidance on the design of renewable energy support schemes in order to avoid potential market distortion, and safeguard effective support for renewables;
Amendment 889 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Believes that the development of renewable energy sources is central to the Energy Union, taking into consideration energy costs; stresses the importance of developing cross-border infrastructure and of enhancing research and innovation in developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage solutions as well as flexible generation technologies for the integration of renewables;
Amendment 891 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage self- consumption and micro-generation through renewable energy schemes targeted at the most vulnerable consumers;
Amendment 898 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36b. Calls on the Commission to ensure the implementation of the Market Stability Reserve and the reform of the ETS with an adequate carbon price so as to promote investments in clean technology, whilst taking into account the risks of an adverse impact on industrial competitiveness;
Amendment 902 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
Amendment 925 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
Amendment 942 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 b (new)
Paragraph 38 b (new)
38b. Calls for specific focus on marine renewables, in line with the Commission's communication on the Blue Economy, as an industry with great potential but which is less established than other renewable sectors;
Amendment 950 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
Amendment 984 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
Amendment 1003 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Calls on the Commission to put forward proposals for establishing a Modernisation Fund, which should have strict criteria and guidance to ensure that funding is targeted at genuine energy modernisation projects, which would be selected based on a technology-neutral approach and on whether they are demonstrably consistent with attainment of the EU's 2030 greenhouse gas objectiveclimate and energy targets;
Amendment 1010 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the development of the Energy Union takes dueutmost consideration of requirements for environmental protection, improved air quality, biodiversity and the competitiveness of European industry;
Amendment 1020 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
Amendment 1035 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Emphasises that energy must be made affordable to all citizens of the EU; considers that avoiding unnecessary consumption by undertaking efficiency improvements, stronger interconnections, higher market integration and sustainable energy investment, particularly in buildings, would enable many households to access on equal conditions a single, sustainable, competitive and secure energy market and escape energy poverty, which in 2012 affected one in four EU citizens; invites the Commission to present a communication on energy poverty in Europe, accompanied by an action plan to fight against it, which contains a definition and indicators of energy poverty;
Amendment 1046 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 b (new)
Paragraph 43 b (new)
43b. Urges the Commission to speed up the energy efficiency and the decarbonisation of the transport sector, in order to create the right market conditions for an increasing deployment of alternative fuels and to further promote the procurement of clean vehicles;
Amendment 1049 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 c (new)
Paragraph 43 c (new)
43a. Considers that the Energy Union should bring about multiple cost-savings and that in an increasingly highly energy- efficient economy with reduced consumption levels for industry and consumers, the focus should be on reducing the total energy costs paid by consumers and not on the unit price of wholesale or retail energy; Calls on the Commission to launch a study analysing new and cost-effective market designs that ensure reasonably priced electricity for consumers and industry while preventing carbon leakage;
Amendment 1054 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5
Subheading 5
Research and Development and Innovation
Amendment 1055 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 b (new)
Paragraph 43 b (new)
43b. Stresses that effective use of research and technological innovations fosters the leadership of European industry and strengthens the competitive advantage and commercial viability of European business and industry, creates jobs while contributing to the main EU energy and climate policy goals, including reduction of energy demand, security of supply, competitiveness and sustainable development of energy production, distribution, transportation and consumption, combatting energy poverty and the EU targets regarding GHG emissions, renewable energy resources and energy efficiency;
Amendment 1070 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls on the Commission to intensify its research efforts as regarding the better use of Europe's indigenous resources, both conventional and unconventionals efficient, low-emission technologies in order to meet its 2030 and longer/term objectives and improve its energy security and facilitate economic recovery; expects the mid/term review of the Horizon 2020 research programme to reflect these priorities;
Amendment 1099 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase IT security and the protection of critical energy infrastructures which provide crucial services for consumers, particularly with regard to the development of industrial production and the increasing role of ICT in the energy sector; stresses in this respect the importance of the adoption and timely implementation of the Network and Information Security Directive to maintain high levels of network and information security of critical infrastructures.
Amendment 1100 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to seek for better interaction and coordination of national and European research programmes, especially in the fields of energy, transport, ICT and construction, in order to ensure that priority is given to common challenges such as increasing energy efficiency by not focusing only on the heating sector but also cooling, promoting small-scale renewable energies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as increasing energy security and developing new renewable energy sources, and to maximize the market uptake of new technologies;
Amendment 1101 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Believes that the further development of an energy internal market is intrinsically linked to the Digital Single Market; Calls on the European Commission to promote the connection between the Energy Union and the Digital Single Market through the maximization of consumer access to energy services using digital platforms and through the development of an energy internal market which is more competitive, transparent and integrated in the digital economy;
Amendment 1102 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Stresses the added value of integrating ICT in the energy system and calls on the Commission to introduce common standards for smart grids at the transmission system level since they ensure a stable supply and free flow of energy across borders and contribute to energy security, and at distribution system level to ensure security of supply for local communities, cities and regions; highlights in this regard the role that developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage facilities can play increasing the level of RES;
Amendment 1117 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Underlines that it should be a priority for the Member Statesresearch and development and innovation and in particular Horizon 2020 to bring down the costs of less mature low-carbon energy technologies, particularly those that are likely to be critical to global decarbonisation, such as power plants fitted with CCS, and potential breakthrough technologies, such as electricity storage and second and third generation biofuels;
Amendment 1119 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47a. Calls on the Commission to improve the conditions for deployment of CCS; believes that CCS could aid the transition to low carbon energy market, and that CCS could have an important role in reconciling the Energy Union's divergent objectives of a diverse, secure energy supply which simultaneously achieves the necessary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to meet the EU's Roadmap 2050 targets;
Amendment 1121 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47a. Calls on the Commission to set up the NER400 Innovation Fund, which should support low-carbon demonstration projects, building on the NER300 programme for Carbon Capture Storage and renewables but extending its scope to low carbon innovation in industrial sectors.
Amendment 1135 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Calls on the Commission to provide an explicit mapping of the different funding and financing instruments, such as the InvestEU programme, Connecting Europe (PCIs), R&D funds, structural funds, smart grid financing instruments (ERA-Net Plus), the Horizon 2020 programme (H2020), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR), the Connecting Europe Facility - Energy (CEF-E), NER 300,EFSI and Eurogia+, and to clarify the eligibility rules for each of these programmes, while taking into account the technology neutral approach; calls on the Commission to aim to provide more balanced support and spending throughout the EU to avoid creating a technological rift between regions;
Amendment 1138 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. Stresses that the Commission should come forward with a proposal for a reliable and transparent governance system in 2015 in order to have an early indication of Member State contributions post-2020; takes the view that this governance system needs to be codified into legislation well ahead of 2020 to give investors certainty and clarity over their investment decisions; underlines in this regard the need for a strong and proactive role for the European Parliament with regard the design and development of the governance system;
Amendment 1142 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that all proposals forming part of the Energy Union follow the ordinary legislative procedure, thus fully involving the European Parliament at all stages and ensuring effective democratic oversight; expects the governance process foreseen for the implementation of the 2030 climate and energy targets to be transparent, democratic and fully involve the European Parliament;
Amendment 1143 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. Agrees with the European Council that a reliable, democratic and transparent governance system avoiding additional red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy should be developed and proposed in 2015 to help ensure that the EU meets its energy policy goals, with the necessary flexibility for Member States and on a basis of full respect for their freedom to determine their energy mix; Stresses that European Parliament shall play a strong and proactive role with regards to the development, implementation and review of the Energy Union governance systems;