154 Amendments of Tom BERENDSEN related to 2020/0360(COD)
Amendment 50 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Commission has set out, in its Communication of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’21 , a new growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. The Commission’s communication on the Climate Target Plan22 proposing to increase the greenhouse gas emissions’ reduction level to at least 55% by 2030 - an ambition that was endorsed by the European Council on 11 December 2020 - and its underlying impact assessment confirms that the energy mix of the future will be very different from the one of today and underpins the necessity to review and if necessary to revise the energy legislation. The current energy infrastructure investments are clearly insufficient to transform and build the energy infrastructure of the future. That also means infrastructure needs to be in place to evolve and adapt itself to support the European energy transition, including rapid electrification, scaling up of renewable electricity generation, the increased use of renewable and low-carbon gases, energy system integration and a higher uptake of innovative solutions. _________________ 21 Commission Communication - The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019. 22 Commission Communication - Stepping up Europe’s 2030 climate ambition, Investing in a climate-neutral future for the benefit of our people, COM(2020) 562 final of 17 September 2020
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4 a) The European Council and Parliament have repeatedly stressed the need to strengthen electricity interconnections between Member States. These interconnections have multiple positive effects for the Union, such as more renewable energy integration capacity, increased security of supply and improved competition in the internal energy market. As part of the Clean Energy for All Europeans package, an agreement was reached on a 15 % electricity interconnection target in 2030. The Commission Communication of 23 November 2017 entitled ‘Strengthening Europe’s energy networks’ assesses progress towards achieving the 10 % interconnection target by 2020 and proposes ways to implement the 15 % target by 2030.
Amendment 55 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The evaluation of Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 has clearly shown that the framework has effectively improved the integration of Member States’ networks, stimulated energy trade and hence contributed to the competitiveness of the Union. Projects of common interest in electricity and gas have strongly contributed to security of supply. For gas, the infrastructure is now well connected and supply resilience has improved substantially since 2013. Regional cooperation in Regional Groups and through cross-border cost allocation is an important enabler for project implementation. However, in many cases the cross-border cost allocation did not result in reducing the financing gap of the project, as intended. While the majority of permitting procedures have been shortened, in some cases the process is still long. The financial assistance from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has been an important factor as grants for studies have helped projects to reduce risks in the early stages of development, while grants for works have supported projects addressing key bottlenecks that market finance could not sufficiently address.
Amendment 60 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The TEN-E policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the European Green Deal objectives. To achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030, Europe will need a more integrated energy system, relying on higher levels of electrification and the use of hydrogen based on renewable sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. The TEN-E policy can ensure that the Union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle.
Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Security of supply, as one main driver behind Regulation (EU) No 347/2013, has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. Moreover, the Commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. On the other hand, the consumption of biogas, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. Therefore, the natural gas infrastructure no longers will need less support through the TEN-E policy. The planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape. However, in some Member States natural gas projects represent substantial potential for reduction of CO2 emissions, including by facilitating transition from solid fossil fuels, in particular coal, lignite, peat and oil shale, to natural gas. The revision of Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 should not negatively affect not yet completed projects. Natural gas infrastructure projects which are already included in the fourth or fifth Union list of projects of common interest established pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 should therefore be able to maintain this status and be eligible for the future Union lists of projects of common interests to be established under this Regulation. _________________ 27 SWD(2020) 176 final
Amendment 69 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Security of supply, as one main driver behind Regulation (EU) No 347/2013, has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. Moreover, the Commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. On the other hand, the consumption of biogas, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050, which will require substantial changes for gas infrastructures to support the energy transition. Therefore, the natural gas infrastructure no longer needs the same kind of support through the TEN-E policy. The planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape. is support should be aimed mainly at the progressive integration of hydrogen and renewable gases in gas networks. The planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape and should condition the support so that gas infrastructure can be used in the future for hydrogen. _________________ 27 SWD(2020) 176 final
Amendment 88 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Moreover, the Commission’s Hydrogen Strategy29 concluded that for the required deployment of hydrogen a large- scale infrastructure network is an important element that only the Union and the single market can offer. There is currently very limited dedicated infrastructure in place to transport and trade hydrogen across borders. Such should consist of a significant extent of assets converted from natural gas, complemented by new assets dedicated to hydrogen. Furthermore, the Hydrogen Strategy sets a strategic goal to increase installed electrolyser capacity to 40 GW by 2030 in order to scale up the production of renewable hydrogen and facilitate the decarbonisation of fossil-fuel dependent sectors, such as industry or transport. Therefore, the TEN-E policy should include new and repurposed hydrogen transmission infrastructure, retrofitted pipelines for regional and temporary blending solutions and storage as well as electrolyser facilities. Hydrogen transmission and storage infrastructure should also be included in the Union-wide ten-year network development plan so as to allow a comprehensive and consistent assessment of their costs and benefits for the energy system, including their contribution to sector integration and decarbonisation, with the aim of creating a hydrogen backbone for the Union. _________________ 29A hydrogen strategy for a climate- neutral Europe, COM(2020) 301 final.
Amendment 95 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 requires a candidate project of common interest to prove a significant contribution to at least one criterion from a set of criteria in the process for the elaboration of the Union list, which may, but does not need to, include sustainability. That requirement, in line with the specific needs of the internal energy market at the time, enabled development of projects of common interest which addressed only security of supply risks even if they did not demonstrate benefits in terms of sustainability. However, given the evolution of the Union infrastructure needs and the decarbonisation goals, the Conclusions of the 2020 July European Council, according to which “Union expenditure should be consistent with Paris Agreement objectives and the "do no harm" principle of the European Green Deal, sustainability in terms of the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as relevant, should be assessed in order to ensure that TEN-E policy is coherent with energy and climate policy objectives of the Union, taking into account the specificities of each Member State and the need to implement different pathways towards decarbonisation. The sustainability of CO2 transport networks is addressed by their purpose to transport carbon dioxide.
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Furthermore, to achieve the Union’s 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets and climate neutrality objective, Europe needs to significantly scale up renewable electricity generation, also in the islands and the outermost regions. The existing infrastructure categories for electricity transmission and storage are crucial for the integration of the significant increase in renewable electricity generation in the power grid. In addition, that requires stepping up investment in offshore renewable energy30 . Coordinating long- term planning and development of offshore and onshore electricity grids should also be addressed. In particular, offshore infrastructure planning should move away from the project-by-project approach towards a coordinated comprehensive approach ensuring the sustainable development of integrated offshore grids in line with the offshore renewable potential of each sea basin, environmental protection and other uses of the sea. _________________ 30 Offshore Strategy Communication
Amendment 108 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4 a) The European Council and Parliament have repeatedly stressed the need to strengthen electricity interconnections between Member States. These interconnections have multiple positive effects for the Union, such as more renewable energy integration capacity, increased security of supply and improved competition in the internal energy market. As part of the Clean Energy for All Europeans package, an agreement was reached on a 15 % electricity interconnection target in 2030. The Commission Communication of 23 November2017 entitled ‘Strengthening Europe’s energy networks’ assesses progress towards achieving the 10 % interconnection target by 2020 and proposes ways to implement the 15 % target by 2030.
Amendment 110 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The evaluation of Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 has clearly shown that the framework has effectively improved the integration of Member States’ networks, stimulated energy trade and hence contributed to the competitiveness of the Union. Projects of common interest in electricity and gas have strongly contributed to security of supply. For gas, the infrastructure is now well connected and supply resilience has improved substantially since 2013. Regional cooperation in Regional Groups and through cross-border cost allocation is an important enabler for project implementation. However, in many cases the cross-border cost allocation did not result in reducing the financing gap of the project, as intended. While the majority of permitting procedures have been shortened, in some cases the process is still long. The financial assistance from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has been an important factor as grants for studies have helped projects to reduce risks in the early stages of development, while grants for works have supported projects addressing key bottlenecks that market finance could not sufficiently address.
Amendment 111 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation lays down guidelines for the timely development and interoperability of the priority corridors and areas of trans-European energy infrastructure set out in Annex I (‘energy infrastructure priority corridors and areas’) that contribute to the Union’s 2030 climate and energy targets, as set in article 2(11) of Regulation (EU) on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, and the climate neutrality objective by 2050.
Amendment 128 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Security of supply, as one main driver behind Regulation (EU) No 347/2013, has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. Moreover, the Commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. On the other hand, the consumption of biogas, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. Therefore, the natural gas infrastructure no longer needs support through the TEN-E policy. The planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape. In addition, in Member States where natural gas projects represent substantial GHG emissions reduction potential, such as transition from coal or lignite to natural gas, these projects should be considered eligible under the TEN-E Regulation. Furthermore, in some specific regions natural gas projects may still be instrumental to provide security of supply and market competition, for which TEN- E eligibility should be maintained. Besides these types of projects, the natural gas infrastructure needs less support through the TEN-E policy. At the same time, natural gas infrastructure projects with projects of common interest status already awarded, will maintain this status until completion in order to materialise the planned and expected market and security of supply improvements as well as their contribution towards emission reduction and air pollution mitigation. _________________ 27 SWD(2020) 176 final
Amendment 129 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. In the definition of the Union list of projects of common interest pursuant to this Regulation a limited transitional period shall be introduced for those projects already awarded the PCI status in the previous Union lists, in order to give continuity to commitments already made and the possibility to those projects to implement further actions to meet the new criteria. The transitional period will be valid at the entry into force of the revised Regulation.
Amendment 131 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii a (new)
(ii a) is located on the territory of one Member State, on islands non sufficiently connected to the trans-European energy networks, falling under the definition of small connected systems or isolated systems according to Directive 2019/944, and makes a significant contribution to the Union´s 2030 climate and energy targets.
Amendment 141 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a – point i
(i) market integration, including through lifting the isolation of at least oneby increasing the level of interconnection between Member State ands, reducing energy infrastructure bottlenecks;, increasing competition and system flexibility;
Amendment 145 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Moreover, the Commission’s Hydrogen Strategy29 concluded that for the required deployment of hydrogen a large- scale infrastructure network is an important element that only the Union and the single market can offer. There is currently very limited dedicated infrastructure in place to transport and trade hydrogen across borders. Such should consist of a significant extent of assets converted from natural gas, complemented by new assets dedicated to hydrogen. Furthermore, the Hydrogen Strategy sets a strategic goal to increase installed electrolyser capacity to 40 GW by 2030 in order to scale up the production of renewable hydrogen and facilitate the decarbonisation of fossil-fuel dependent sectors, such as industry or transport. Therefore, the TEN-E policy should include new and repurpos, repurposed and retrofitted hydrogen transmission infrastructure and storage as well as electrolyser facilities. Hydrogen transmission and, storage and import infrastructure should also be included in the Union-wide ten-year network development plan so as to allow a comprehensive and consistent assessment of their costs and benefits for the energy system, including their contribution to sector integration and decarbonisation, with the aim of creating a hydrogen backbone for the Union. The new hydrogen category should be aligned with the objectives of the Energy System Integration and EU Hydrogen Strategies. _________________ 29A hydrogen strategy for a climate- neutral Europe, COM(2020) 301 final.
Amendment 149 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Moreover, a new infrastructure category should be created for smart gas grids to support investments which integrate renewable and low carbon gases such as biogas, biomethane, and hydrogen, in the network and help manage a resulting more complex system, building on innovative digital technologies as well as technology and engineering solutions.
Amendment 159 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 requires a candidate project of common interest to prove a significant contribution to at least one criterion from a set of criteria in the process for the elaboration of the Union list, which may, but does not need to, include sustainability. That requirement, in line with the specific needs of the internal energy market at the time, enabled development of projects of common interest which addressed only security of supply risks even if they did not demonstrate benefits in terms of sustainability. However, given the evolution of the Union infrastructure needs and the decarbonisation goals, the Conclusions of the 2020 July European Council, according to which “Union expenditure should be consistent with Paris Agreement objectives and the "do no harm" principle of the European Green Deal, sustainability in terms of the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as relevant, should be assessed in order to ensure that TEN-E policy is coherent with energy and climate policy objectives of the Union, taking also into account the specificities of each Member State and the needs to implement different pathways towards decarbonisation. The sustainability of CO2 transport networks is addressed by their purpose to transport and store carbon dioxide.
Amendment 162 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The Union should facilitate infrastructure projects linking the Union’s energy networks with third-country networks that are mutually beneficial and necessary for the energy transition and the achievement of the climate targets, and which also meet the specific criteria of the relevant infrastructure categories pursuant to this Regulation, in particular with neighbouring countries and with countries with which the Union has established specific energy cooperation. Therefore, this Regulation should include in its scope projects of mutual interest where they are sustainable and able to demonstrate significant net socio-economic benefits for at least twoone or more Member States and at least one third country. Such projects would be eligible for inclusion in the Union list upon conditions of regulatory approximation withconsistency of the third country´s policy objectives with the overall policy objective of the Union and upon demonstrating a contribution to the Union’s overall energy and climate objectives in terms of security of supply and decarbonisation. Such regulatory alignment or convergence should be presumed for the European Economic Area or Energy Community Contracting Parties, as well countries included in the Renewed Partnership for the Southern Neighbourhood - New agenda for the Mediterranean, that are already operating based and aligned to EU requirements (Med-TSOmembers) or with third countries having signed bilateral agreements with the Union, which include relevant provisions on climate and energy policy objectives on decarbonisation. In addition, the third country with which the Union cooperates in the development of projects of mutual interest should facilitate a similar timeline for accelerated implementation and other policy support measures, as stipulated in this Regulation. Therefore, in this Regulation, projects of mutual interest should be considered in the same manner as projects of common interest with all provisions relative to projects of common interest applying also to projects of mutual interest, unless otherwise specified.
Amendment 162 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f – introductory part
(f) for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of Annex II, the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases, such as biomethane, or renewable hydrogen,or low-carbon hydrogen, or synthetic gas and their blends with methane into the gas distribution and, transmission networks and storage systems, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:
Amendment 181 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) To ensure voltage and frequency stability, particular attention should be given to the stability of the European electricity network under the changing conditions, especially in view of the growing share of renewable electricity. Efforts to maintain and guarantee a satisfactory level of planned low carbon energy production, in order to ensure security of supply for citizens and businesses, should be given particular priority.
Amendment 186 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Following close consultations with all Member States and stakeholders, the Commission has identified 13 strategic trans-European energy infrastructure priorities, the implementation of which is essential for the achievement of the Union’s 2030 and 2050 energy and climate policy targets. Those priorities cover different geographic regions or thematic areas in the field of electricity transmission and storage, offshore grids for renewable energy, hydrogen transmission and storage, electrolysers, smart gas grids, smart electricity grids, and carbon dioxide transport and storage.
Amendment 208 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
4. Projects of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(d), (2), (4), (4a) and (5) of Annex II shall also be eligible for Union financial assistance in the form of grants for works, where the concerned project promoters can clearly demonstrate significant positive externalities, such as security of supply, system flexibility, solidarity or innovation, generated by the projects and provide clear evidence of their lack of commercial viability, in accordance with the cost- benefit analysis, the business plan and assessments carried out, in particular by potential investors or creditors or, where applicable, a national regulatory authority.
Amendment 213 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) Grants for works related to projects of mutual interest should be available only for the investments located on where they contribute to the overall energy and climate policy objective of the Union and where the third country has decarbonisation objectives consistent withe territoryhe Paris Agreement of the Union and only in case where at least twoone Member States contributes financially in a significant manner to the investment costs of the project in view of its benefits.
Amendment 223 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 52 a (new)
Recital 52 a (new)
(52 a) Due to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, Ireland now constitutes a geographically limited area that it is no longer directly connected to the interconnected system of any other Member State. Therefore, infrastructure projects in Ireland are currently unable to fulfil the cross-border criteria required for projects of common interest or projects of mutual interest. The geographical limitation of Ireland should be taken into account when assessing the eligibility of project applications.
Amendment 224 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 52 b (new)
Recital 52 b (new)
(52 b) Projects applications originating in Ireland may derogate from Article 4.1 (c) and Annex IV as regards the cross- border criteria and/or requirement for involvement of at least two Member States , provided however that such projects fulfil the conditions as laid down in Article 4.1(a). and 4.1 (b) and demonstrate that the project in question is an essential part of a planned priority corridor or thematic area. This derogation shall automatically expire from the date when Ireland is directly connected to the interconnected system of any Member State.
Amendment 226 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation lays down guidelines for the timely development and interoperability of the priority corridors and areas of trans-European energy infrastructure set out in Annex I (‘energy infrastructure priority corridors and areas’) that contribute to the Union’s 2030 climate and energy targets and the climate neutrality objective by 2050, as set in article 2(11) of Regulation (EU) on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, the climate neutrality objective by 2050 and to ensure and stimulate energy security, market integration, competition and affordable energy for all Member States.
Amendment 230 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) addresses the identification of projects of common interest necessary to implement priority corridors and areas falling under the energy infrastructure categories in electricity, smart gas grids, hydrogen, electrolysers, small modular reactors and carbon dioxide set out in Annex II (‘energy infrastructure categories’);
Amendment 233 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part 4 – point 13 a (new)
Annex I – Part 4 – point 13 a (new)
(13 a) Integration of small connected or isolated systems and islands, including outermost regions: Development of electricity transmission and storage infrastructures (as referred to in point a) of the third paragraph of Article 4) contributing to a better interconnection of islands and to a more efficient integration of renewables and overall energy system integration.
Amendment 234 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) facilitates the timely implementation of projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest by streamlining, coordinating more closely, and accelerating permit granting processes and by enhancing public participation;
Amendment 235 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) provides rules and guidance for the cross-border allocation of costs and risk- related incentives for projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest ;
Amendment 236 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) determines the conditions for eligibility of projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest for Union financial assistance;
Amendment 240 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
(a) any of the following equipment or installation aiming at enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases (including biomethane or hydrogen) into the network: retrofitting of gas transmission, storage and LNG infrastructures enabling to increase the blend of hydrogen, digital systems and components integrating ICT, control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent monitoring, metering, quality control and management of gas production, transmission, distribution and consumption within a gas network. Furthermore, such projects may also include equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level and related necessary upgrades to the existing network.
Amendment 244 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) ‘project of common interest’ means a project necessary to implement the energy infrastructure priority corridors and areas set out in Annex I and which is part of the Union list of projects of common interest referred to in Article 3; and/or projects set out in Annex II developed in less connected, peripheral, outermost or isolated regions, such as island Member States or non interconnected or sufficiently connected islands located in the territory of the EU;
Amendment 246 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d – paragraph 1
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d – paragraph 1
Any of the assets listed in points (a), (b), (c), and (d) may be newly constructed assets or assets converted or repurposed from natural gas dedicated to hydrogen, or a combination of the two.
Amendment 247 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘project of mutual interest’ means a project promoted by the Unionat least one member state in cooperation with third countries, pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement or other arrangements, within the energy infrastructure categories in Annex II, which contributes to the Union´s overall energy and climate objectives as referred in Article 1 (1), and which is part of the Union list of projects referred to in Article 3;
Amendment 253 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Amendment 256 #
(b) related equipment, including pipeline connections to the gas network.
Amendment 257 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
(4 a) concerning gas: a) transmission pipelines for the transport of natural gas and biomethane that form part of a network which mainly contains high-pressure pipelines, excluding high- pressure pipelines used for upstream or local distribution of natural gas; b) underground storage facilities connected to the above-mentioned high- pressure gas pipelines; c) reception, storage and regasification or decompression facilities for liquefied natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG); d) any equipment or installation essential for the system to operate safely, securely and efficiently or to enable bi-directional capacity, including compressor stations; Any of the assets listed in points a), b), c), and d) shall avoid a gas lock-in risk and ensure its compatibility with pure hydrogen through cost-efficient conversion or repurposing;
Amendment 259 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
(9) ‘smart gas grid’ means a gas network that makes use of innovative digitaltechnology and engineering solutions to integrate in a cost efficient manner a plurality of low-carbon, decarbonised and renewable gas sources and their blends with methane in accordance with consumers’ needs and, gas quality and system safety requirements in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the related gas consumption, enable an increased share of renewable, decarbonised and low-carbon gases, and create links with other energy carriers and sectors thereby providing strengthened security of supply and flexibility to the energy system;
Amendment 267 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
(9 a) ‘grid operator’ means transmission systemoperator (TSO) as well as distribution system operator (DSO).
Amendment 268 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 b (new)
(9 b) 'Retrofitting' means the technical upgrade or modification of existing natural gas infrastructure to enable or increase blending of hydrogen or biomethane with methane.
Amendment 268 #
(f) for electrolysers, the project provides at least 1060 MW installed capacity and the brings benefits directly or indirectly to at least two Member States;. For innovative midstream value chains, the project provides at least 30 MW installed capacity and brings benefits directly or indirectly to at least two Member States. The project can reach these capacities through several phases and/or projects.
Amendment 269 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 c (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 c (new)
(9 c) ‘Repurposing’ means the technical upgrade or modification of existing natural gas infrastructure for use of pure hydrogen.
Amendment 278 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16 a (new)
(16 a) “Natural gas PCI at an advanced implementationstage or at a mature level” means projects that are listed in the 3rd and 4th PCI list with secured adequate funding;
Amendment 296 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – point a
(a) ensure that only those projects that fulfil the criteria referred to in Article 4 are included, while allowing for the development of natural gas PCIs included in the4th and 5th PCI list, if they can prove to be already in a mature or advanced stage of planning or realisation by the entry into force of this regulation and given, that they can prove their readiness for the transport of renewable or low-carbon gases, including hydrogen;
Amendment 309 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 6
Article 3 – paragraph 6
6. Projects of common interest included on the Union list pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article under the energy infrastructure categories set out in points (1)(a), (b), (c), (e) and (e3) of Annex II, shall become an integral part of the relevant regional investment plans under Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943 and Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 715/2009 and of the relevant national 10- year network development plans under Article 51 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 and Article 22 of Directive 2009/73/EC and other national infrastructure plans concerned, as appropriate. Those projects shall be conferred the highest possible priority within each of those plans. This paragraph shall not apply to projects of mutual interest.
Amendment 310 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. In the definition of the Union list of projects of common interest pursuant to this Regulation a limited transitional period shall be introduced for those projects already awarded the PCI status in the previous Union lists, in order to give continuity to commitments already made and the possibility to those projects to implement further actions to meet the new criteria. The transitional period will be valid at the entry into force of the revised Regulation.
Amendment 312 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
(i) involves at least two Member States by directly crossing the border of two or more Member States;
Amendment 316 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii a (new)
(ii a) is located on islands non interconnected or non-sufficiently connected to the trans-European energy networks.
Amendment 324 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the project contributes significantly to the decarbonisation objectives of the Union and those of the third country and to sustainability, including through the integration of renewable and low carbon energy into the grid and the transmission of renewable generation to major consumption centres and storage sites, and;
Amendment 335 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – introductory part
(e) the third country or countries involved have a high level of regulatory alignment or convergence totribute to the transition towards climate neutrality, supporting the overall policy objectives of the Union, in particular to ensure:
Amendment 342 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) the third country or countries involved support the priority status of the project, as set out in Article 7, andor commit to comply with a similar timeline for acceleratedof the project implementation and other policy and regulatory support measures as applicable to projects of common interest in the Union.of the Member States involved. The general criteria laid down in point (e) of this paragraph may be reflected into an intergovernmental agreement or other arrangement between the Member State and the third country or countries involved in the projects of mutual interest
Amendment 346 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a – introductory part
(a) for electricity generation, transmission and storage projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in points (1)(a), (b), (c) and (e) of Annex II, the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability through energy efficiency gains, limitation of curtailed energy and reduced network losses, the integration of renewable and low carbon energy into the grid and the transmission of renewable generation to major consumption centres and storage sites, and at least one of the following specific criteria:
Amendment 351 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a – point i
(i) market integration, including through lifting the isolation of at least one Member State and by increasing the level of interconnection between Member States and reducing energy infrastructure bottlenecks; increasing competition and system flexibility;
Amendment 357 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point b – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point b – introductory part
(b) for smart electricity grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (1)(d) of Annex II, the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability through the integration of renewable energyand low carbon energy sources into the grid, and at least two of the following specific criteria:
Amendment 364 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point b – point iii a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iii a) facilitating smart sector integration, either in the energy system through linking various energy carriers and sectors, favouring synergies between energy, transport and telecommunication sectors.
Amendment 369 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c – introductory part
(c) for carbon dioxide transport, utilisation and storage projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (5) of Annex II, the project is to contribute significantly to allt least two of the following specific criteria:
Amendment 371 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c – point i
(i) avoidcapture carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining security of energy supplyfor utilisation and permanent storage;
Amendment 373 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c – point ii
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c – point ii
(ii) increase the resilience and security of carbon dioxide transport and storage;
Amendment 376 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c – point iii
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c – point iii
(iii) efficient use of resources, by enabling the connection of multiple carbon dioxide sources and storage sites via common infrastructure and other transport modalities such as ship, barge, truck and train and minimising environmental burden and risks.
Amendment 378 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d – introductory part
(d) for hydrogen projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (3) of Annex II the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability, including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in end-use applications such hard to abate sectors where more energy efficient solutions are not feasible, by enhancing the deployment of renewable and low carbon hydrogen and supporting variable renewable power generation by offering flexibility and/or storage solutions. Furthermore, the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:
Amendment 395 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point e – point iii
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point e – point iii
(iii) enabling flexibility services such as demand response and storage by facilitating smart energy sector integration through linkingthe creation of links to different energy carriers and sectors.
Amendment 401 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f – introductory part
(f) for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of Annex II, the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases, such as biomethane, or renewable hydrogenhydrogen or blends, into the gas distribution and transmission networks, as well as storage and distribution in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:
Amendment 414 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
(f a) for natural gas projects that were included in the fourth or fifth Union list established pursuant to Regulation (EU) No347/2013 and falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point5a of Annex II to this regulation, the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: (i) market integration, including through lifting the isolation of at least one Member State and reducing energy infrastructure bottlenecks;interoperability and system flexibility; (ii) security of supply, including through appropriate connections and diversification of supply sources, supplying counterparts and routes; (iii) competition, including through diversification of supply sources, supplying counterparts and routes.
Amendment 416 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
(f a) for small modular reactors projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (6) of Annex II, the project is to contribute significantly to all of the following specific criteria: (i) reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining security of energy supply; (ii) increase the stability and security of the grid; (iii) enhancing the factory-based serial production of modules, leading to lower absolute and per kWe total construction costs. (iiii) electricity storage facilities used for storing electricity on a permanent or temporary basis.
Amendment 421 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Natural gas projects referred to in point (fa) of paragraph 3 of this Article shall be eligible to be included only in the first Union list adopted in accordance with Article 3(4).
Amendment 439 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The implementation plan referred to in paragraph 1 shall be publicly available and transparent regarding the expected commissioning date, the status of the project and the progress of the project compared to the previous Union wide Ten-Year Network Development Plan and, including where applicable the reasons for delay or for rescheduling.
Amendment 442 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 6
Article 5 – paragraph 6
6. By 30 April of each year when a new Union list should be adopted, the Agency shall submit, to the Groups a consolidated report for the projects of common interest subject to the competency of national regulatory authorities, evaluating the progress achieved, and the evolution of the expected project costs and make, where appropriate, recommendations on how to overcome the delays and difficulties encountered. That consolidated report shall also evaluate, in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2019/942, the consistent implementation of the Union-wide network development plans with regard to the energy infrastructure priority corridors and areas.
Amendment 444 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. At the Agency’s request, project promoters shall provide, where appropriate, to the Agency the implementation plan and other information necessary for the purpose of carrying out the Agency’s tasks set out in paragraph 6.
Amendment 469 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
(a) the pre-application procedure, covering the period between the start of the permit granting process and the acceptance of the submitted application file by the competent authority, shall take place within an indicative period of two years.
Amendment 482 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The competent authority shall ensure that the combined duration of the two procedures referred to in paragraph 1 does not exceed a period of three years and six months. However, where the competent authority considers that one or both of the two procedures of the permit granting process will not be completed within the time limits set out in paragraph 1, it may decide, before their expiry and on a case by case basis, to extend one or both of those time limits by a maximum of nine months for both procedures combined. Any delay should be reported to the Commission and duly justified by the competent authority.
Amendment 490 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. By [16 November 2022], the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO) for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas shall publish and submit to Member States, the Commission and the Agency their respective methodologies, including the network and market modelling, for a harmonised energy system-wide cost-benefit analysis at Union level for projects of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(a), (b), (c) and (e) and point (3) of Annex II.
Amendment 502 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Within three months of the receipt of the methodologies, the Commission and Member States may deliver an opinion on the methodologies. The opinions shall be submitted to the Agency, the ENTSO for Electricity or the ENTSO for Gas.
Amendment 520 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 6
Article 11 – paragraph 6
6. Where the changes to the methodologies are considered to be of incremental nature, not affecting the definition of benefits, costs and other relevant cost-benefit parameters, as defined in the latest Energy system wide cost- benefit analysis methodology approved by the Commission, the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas shall adapt their respective methodologies taking due account of the Agency’s opinion, as set out in paragraph 2, and submit them for the Agency’s approval. In case the ENTSO for Gas or ENTSO for Electricity and ACER have a difference of opinion on the incremental changes, the question would be submitted to the Commission for final decision.
Amendment 521 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 7
Article 11 – paragraph 7
Amendment 530 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 8
Article 11 – paragraph 8
8. Within two weeks of the approval by the Agency or the Commission in accordance with paragraphs 5 and 6, the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas shall publish their respective methodologies on their websites. They shall publish the corresponding input data and other relevant network, load flow and market data in a sufficiently accurate form in accordance with national law and relevant confidentiality agreements.
Amendment 534 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. The European Commission shall assign responsibilities for developing the methodologies, of projects falling under the categories included in points (1b), (1d), (2), and (4) of Annex II, which shall be compatible with the methodologies developed by the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas in terms of monetised benefits and costs. The Agency, with the support of National Regulatory Authorities, shall promote consistency of these methodologies with the methodologies elaborated by ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas. The methodologies shall be developed in a transparent manner, including extensive consultation of Member States and of all relevant stakeholders.
Amendment 537 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 10
Article 11 – paragraph 10
10. Every three years, the Agency shall establish and make publicly available a set of indicators and corresponding reference values for the comparison of unit investment costs for comparable projects of the infrastructure categories included in points (1) and (3) of Annex II. Those reference values may be used by the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas for the cost-benefit analyses carried out for subsequent Union-wide ten-year network development plans. The first of such indicators shall be published by [1 November 2022]. Infrastructure owners, system operators and third-party promoters must provide the requested data to the national regulatory authorities and to the Agency.
Amendment 542 #
11. By [31 December 2023], the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas shall jointly submit to the Commission and the Agency a consistent and interlinked energy market and network model including electricity, gas, heat and hydrogen transmission infrastructure as well as storage, LNG and electrolysers, covering the energy infrastructure priority corridors and the areas drawn up in line with the principles laid down in Annex V. Where relevant, this model should take into consideration also the distribution infrastructure.
Amendment 550 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Amendment 555 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 561 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The ENTSO for Electricity and ENTSO for Gas shall develop the joint scenarios to be used for the Union wide ten-year-network-development plan taking into account the guiding principles as laid down in Annex Va (new).
Amendment 563 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Amendment 565 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The ENTSO for Electricity and ENTSO for Gas shall establish a Stakeholder Group for its consultation as part of the scenarios development process in which all organisations representing the relevant stakeholders, including the EU DSO entity and relevant hydrogen stakeholders are represented.
Amendment 567 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Amendment 572 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. The ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas shall publish and submit the draft joint scenarios report to the Agency for its opinion and the Commission for their opinionits approval.
Amendment 579 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 6
Article 12 – paragraph 6
Amendment 584 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 7
Article 12 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission shall approve, amend or request the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas shallto adapt their joint scenarios report, taking due account of the Agency’s opinion, in line with the Commission’s opinion and submit the updated report to the Commission for its approval.
Amendment 598 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
When assessing the infrastructure gaps the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas shall base their analysis on the scenarios established in Article 12, implement the energy efficiency first principle and consider with priority all relevant non-infrastructure related solutionsrelated solutions, which do not require new infrastructure to address the identified gaps.
Amendment 602 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Prior to submitting their respective reports, the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders, including the Union DSO entity, all relevant hydrogen stakeholders, relevant grid technology organisations and all the Member States representatives part of the priority corridors defined in Annex I.
Amendment 623 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. By [31 July 2022], Member States, with the support of the Commission, within their specific priority offshore grid corridors, set out in point (2) of Annex I, taking into account the specificities and development in each region, shall jointly define and agree to cooperate on the amount of offshore renewable generation to be deployed within each sea basin by 2050, with intermediate steps in 2030 and 2040, in view of their national energy and climate plans, the offshore renewable potential of each sea basin, environmental protection, climate adaptation and other uses of the sea, as well as the Union’s decarbonisation targets. That agreementdeclaration shall be made in writing as regards each sea basin linked to the territory of the Union.
Amendment 627 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. By [31 July 2023] the ENTSO for Electricityrelevant ENTSO, with the involvement of the relevant TSOs, the national regulatory authorities and of the Commission and in line with the agreement referred to in paragraph 1, shall develop and publish integrated offshore network development plans, taking into account the potential of hybrid offshore grids to lower connection costs and reduce the environmental impact of offshore renewable generation deployment, starting from the 2050 objectives, with intermediate steps for 2030 and 2040, for each sea-basin, in line with the priority offshore grid corridors referred to in Annex I, taking into account environmental protection and other uses of the sea. Those integrated offshore network development plans shall thereafter be updated every three years.
Amendment 636 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. The integrated offshore network development plans shall be compatiblemust be integrated with the latest Union-wide ten-Year Network Development Plans in order to ensure coherent development of onshore and offshore grid planning.
Amendment 642 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Article 14 – paragraph 4
4. The ENTSO for Electricityrelevant ENTSO shall submit the draft integrated network development offshore plans to the Commission for its opinion.
Amendment 649 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 5
Article 14 – paragraph 5
5. The ENTSO for Electricityrelevant ENTSO shall adapt the integrated offshore network development plans taking due account of the Commission opinion before the publication of the final reports and submit them to the relevant priority offshore grid corridors, set out in Annex I.
Amendment 654 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 6
Article 14 – paragraph 6
6. For the purpose of ensuring the timely development of the offshore grids for renewable energy, should the ENTSO for Electricity notthe relevant ENTSO should develop, in time, the integrated offshore network development plans, referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission shall, on the basis of expert advice, draw-up an integrated offshore network development plan per sea-basin for each priority offshore grid corridor set out in Annex I.
Amendment 659 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall develop, by means of implementing acts, principles for a specific cost-benefit an[By 1 March 2024] The Agency shall develop a recommendation on the principles for an adapted cost-sharing methodology for the deployment of the integrated offshore network development plan referred to in Article 14(2) in accordance with the agreement referred to in Article 14(1) as part of the guidelines referred to in Article 16(10). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 21(2). The Agency shall update its Recommendation when appropriate, taking into account the results of the implementation of the principles.
Amendment 662 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Within 12 months from the publication of the principles referred to in paragraph 1, the ENTSO for Electricityrelevant ENTSO, with the involvement of the relevant TSOs, the national regulatory authorities and of the Commission, shall present the results of the application of the cost-benefit and cost- sharing methodology to the priority offshore grid corridors.
Amendment 666 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. Within six months from the presentation of the results as referred to in paragraph 2, the relevant Member States, shall update their written agreement referred to in Article 14(1) with the updated joint definition of the amount ofindicative non-binding goals for the offshore renewable generation to be deployed within each sea basin in 2050, with intermediate steps in 2030 and 2040, and the relevant agreement to cooperate for the achievement of such amounts.
Amendment 673 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 4
Article 15 – paragraph 4
4. Within six months from the updated written agreements referred to in paragraph 3, for each sea basin, the ENTSO for Electricityrelevant ENTSO shall update the integrated offshore network development plans by following the procedure set out in Article 14(2) to (5). The procedure described in Article 14(6) shall apply.
Amendment 683 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) up-to-date project-specific cost- benefit analysis consistent with the methodology drawn up pursuant to Article 11 and taking into account benefits beyond the borders of the Member States on the territory of which the project is located by usconsidering the samejoint scenario as used in the selection process for the elaboration of the Union list where the project of common interest is listeds for network development planning in accordance with Article 12;
Amendment 686 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 16 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. Within six months of the date on which the last investment request is received by the relevant national regulatory authorities, those national regulatory authorities shall, after consulting the project promoters concerned, take joint coordinated decisions on the allocation of investment costs to be borne by each system operator for the project, as well as their inclusion in tariffs, or on the rejection of the request, or a part of it, if a significant net benefit at Union level is not proven by the common analysis of national regulatory authorities. The national regulatory authorities shall include all the efficientlythe relevant incurred investment costs in tariffs in line with the allocation of investment costs to be borne by each system operator for the project. The national regulatory authorities shall thereafter assess, where appropriate, whether any affordability issues might arise due to the inclusion of the investment costs in tariffs.
Amendment 692 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
In allocating costs across borders, the relevant national regulatory authorities, in consultation with the TSOs concerned, shall seek a mutual agreement based on, but not limited to, the information specified in paragraphs 3(a) and (b). Their assessment shall be based on the same scenario as used in the selection process for the elaboration of the Union list where the project of common interests is listedconsider all relevant scenarios established under Article 12, allowing an in-depth analysis of the contribution of the project to the Union energy policy targets of decarbonisation, market integration, competition, sustainability and security of supply.
Amendment 697 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
In that case or upon a joint request from at least one of the relevant national regulatory authorities, the decision on the investment request including cross-border cost allocation referred to in paragraph 3 as well as the necessity for the inclusion of the cost of the investments, in its totality, as allocated across borders in the tariffs shall be taken by the Agency within three months of the date of referral to the Agency.
Amendment 701 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 3
Article 16 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 3
The assessment of the Agency shall be based on the same scenario as used in consider all relevant scenarios established under Article 12 and other selection process for the elaboration of the Union list where the project of common interest is listedcenarios, allowing an in-depth analysis of the contribution of the project to the Union energy policy targets of decarbonisation, market integration, competition, sustainability and security of supply.
Amendment 704 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 10
Article 16 – paragraph 10
10. By [31 December 2022], the CommissionAgency shall adopt implementing acts containing binding guidelines to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Article and the offshore grids for renewable energy cross- border cost sharing as referred to in Article 15(1). The guidelines shall also address the special situa recommendation to identify good practices for the treatment of investment requests for projects of common interests. The recommendation shall be regularly updated as found necessary and for consistency with the recommendation ofn the offshore grids for renewable energy projects of common interest by including principles on how their cross-border cost allocation shall be coordinated with the financing, market and political arrangements of offshore generation sites connected to them. In adopting or amending the guidelines, the Commission shall consult ACER, the ENTSO for Electricity, the ENTSO for Gas, and, where relevant, other stakeholders. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 21(2)cross-border cost sharing as referred to in Article 15(1). In adopting or amending the recommendation, the Agency shall carry out an extensive consultation process, involving all relevant stakeholders.
Amendment 726 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Projects of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(a), (b), (c) and (e) of Annex II and point (3) of Annex II, except for hydro-pumped electricity storage projects, are also eligible for Union financial assistance in the form of grants for works where they fulfil all of the following criteria:
Amendment 731 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the project specific cost-benefit analysis pursuant to Article 16(3)(a) provides evidence concerning the existence of significant positive externalities, such as security of supply, system flexibility, solidarity or, innovation or sustainability;
Amendment 738 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
4. Projects of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(d), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of Annex II shall also be eligible for Union financial assistance in the form of grants for works, where the concerned project promoters can clearly demonstrate significant positive externalities, such as security of supply, system flexibility, solidarity or innovation, generated by the projects and provide clear evidence of their lack of commercial viability, in accordance with the cost- benefit analysis, the business plan and assessments carried out, in particular by potential investors or creditors or, where applicable, a national regulatory authority.
Amendment 761 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
This Regulation shall not affect projects with the PCI status already awarded pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council. This Regulation shall not affect the granting, continuation or modification of financial assistance awarded by the Commission pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council47 . _________________ 47Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility, amending Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulations (EC) No 680/2007 and (EC) No 67/2010, OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 129
Amendment 776 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part 1 – point 3 – introductory part
Annex I – Part 1 – point 3 – introductory part
(3) Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan in electricity (‘BEMIP Electricity’): interconnections between Member States and internal lines in the Baltic region, to foster market integration while integrating growing shares of renewable and low carbon energy in the region.
Amendment 790 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part 3 – point 8 – introductory part
Annex I – Part 3 – point 8 – introductory part
(8) Hydrogen interconnections in Western Europe (‘HI West’): hydrogen infrastructure and the repurposing of natural gas infrastructure with a view of enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an EU-wide network for hydrogen transport.
Amendment 794 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part 3 – point 9 – introductory part
Annex I – Part 3 – point 9 – introductory part
(9) Hydrogen interconnections in Central Eastern and South Eastern Europe (‘HI East’): hydrogen infrastructure and the repurposing of natural gas infrastructure with a view of enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an EU-wide network for hydrogen transport.
Amendment 800 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part 3 – point 10 – introductory part
Annex I – Part 3 – point 10 – introductory part
(10) Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan in hydrogen (‘BEMIP Hydrogen’): hydrogen infrastructure and the repurposing of natural gas infrastructure with a view of enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an EU-wide network for hydrogen transport.
Amendment 806 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part 4 – point 11 – introductory part
Annex I – Part 4 – point 11 – introductory part
(11) Smart electricity grids deployment: adoption of smart grid technologies across the Union to efficiently integrate the behaviour and actions of all users connected to the electricity network, in particular the generation of large amounts of electricity from renewable or distributed energy sources and, demand response by consumers and energy storage.
Amendment 809 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part 4 – point 12 – introductory part
Annex I – Part 4 – point 12 – introductory part
(12) Cross-border carbon dioxide network: development of carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure between Member States and with neighbouring third countries in view of the deployment of carbon dioxide capture, use and storage.
Amendment 818 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part 4 – point 13 a (new)
Annex I – Part 4 – point 13 a (new)
(13 a) Smart sector integration:cross- border deployment of joint energy, including hydrogen interconnections, digital and transport projects, along the priority corridors listed under point (1) in Annex I. Member States concerned: all;
Amendment 819 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part 4 – point 13 b (new)
Annex I – Part 4 – point 13 b (new)
(13 b) Natural gas infrastructure:completion of gas infrastructure projects included in the fourth and fifth Union list established pursuant Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 for the purpose of enhancing market integration, security of supply, and competition and which contribute to sustainability. Member States concerned: all
Amendment 820 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
(a) high-voltage overhead transmission lines, if they have been designed for a voltage of 220 kV or more, including any physical equipment to allow transport of electricity on the high and extra - high voltage level, including high voltageoverhead transmission lines, considering internal lines in MS (concerning connections between islands, as well connections between islands and mainland and interconnections between MS) and underground and submarine transmission cables, if they have been designed for a voltage of 150 kV or more;
Amendment 827 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
(b) electricity storage facilities used for storing electricityproviding flexibility to the electricity system also in an aggregated form on a permanent or temporary basis in above- ground or underground infrastructure or geological sites, provided they are directly connected to high-voltage transmission lines designed for a voltage of 110 kV or more;
Amendment 833 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d
(d) systems and components integrating ICT, through operational digital platforms, control systems and sensor technologies both at transmission and medium voltage distribution level, aiming at a more efficient and intelligent electricity transmission and distribution network, increased capacity to integrate new forms of generation, storage, demand response and consumption and facilitating new business models and market structures;
Amendment 836 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point e
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point e
(e) any equipment or installation falling under category referred to in point (a) having dual functionality: interconnection and transmission of offshore renewable electricity from the offshore generation sites to two or more countries, as well as any offshore adjacent equipment or installation essential to operate safely, securely and efficiently, including protection, monitoring and control systems, and necessary substations if they also ensure technology interoperability inter alia interface compatibility between different technologies, (‘offshore grids for renewable energy’), including the conversion of renewable energy into hydrogen through on- and offshore electrolysis facilities.
Amendment 843 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
(a) any of the following equipment or installation aiming at enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases (including biomethane or hydrogen) and their blends with methane into the network: digital systems and components integrating ICT, control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent monitoring, metering, quality control and management of gas production, transmission, distribution and consumption within a gas network. Furthermore, such projects may also include notably by increasing the ability to blend different types of gas. Furthermore, such projects may also include connections from renewable and low-carbon gases production facilities into the transmission grid, equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level, power-to-gas facilities, and related necessary upgrades to the existing network facilitating the transport of blends of hydrogen and low carbon gases, including methane.
Amendment 855 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
(a) transmission pipelines for the transport of hydrogen, including repurposed natural gas infrastructure, giving access to multiple network users on a transparent and non-discriminatory basis, which mainly contains high-pressure hydrogen pipelines, excluding pipelines for the local distribution of hydrogen;
Amendment 859 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
(a) transmissionhigh-pressure pipelines for the transport of hydrogen, giving access to multiple network users on a transparent and non-discriminatory basis, which mainly contains high-pressure hydrogen pipelines, excluding pipelines for the local distribution of hydrogen;
Amendment 885 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d – paragraph 1
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d – paragraph 1
Any of the assets listed in points (a), (b), (c), and (d) may be newly constructed assets or assets convertrepurposed from natural gas dedicated to hydrogen, or a combination of the two.
Amendment 894 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
(a) electrolysers that: (i) have at least 1060 MW capacity and 30 MW for innovative midstream value chains (e.g. maritime routes via liquid organic hydrogen carriers, liquid hydrogen or ammonia), (ii) the production complies with the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings requirement of 760 % relative to a fossil fuel comparator of 941g CO2e/MJ as set out in Article 25(2) and Annex V of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council.60. Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings are calculated using the methodology referred to in Article 28(5) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 or, alternatively, using ISO 14067 or ISO 14064-1. Quantified life-cycle GHG emission savings are verified in line with Article 30 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 where applicable, or by an independent third party, and (iii) have also a network-related function; _________________ 60 OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82.
Amendment 898 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
(b) related equipment, including on- and offshore electrolysis facilities intended for the conversion of renewable energy into hydrogen and pipeline connections to the network.
Amendment 905 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a
(a) dedicated pipelines, other than upstream pipeline network, used to transport carbon dioxide from more than one source, i.e. industrial installations (including power plants)All infrastructure, equipment, and transport modalities, including dedicated pipelines used to transport carbon dioxide from sources that produce carbon dioxide gas from combustion or other chemical reactions involving fossil or non-fossil carbon-containing compounds, for the purpose of permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide pursuant to Directive 2009/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council61 or for the purpose of carbon dioxide capture and utilisation; _________________ 61 OJ L 140, 5.6.2009, p. 114.
Amendment 910 #
(b) facilities for liquefaction and buffer storage of carbon dioxide in view of its further transportation. This does not includes infrastructure within a geological formation used for the permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide pursuant to Directive 2009/31/EC and associated surface and injection facilities;
Amendment 914 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Annex II – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
(6) concerning small nuclear modules: (a) any equipment aiming at the development or construction of small modular reactors, which are defined as advanced reactors that produce electricity of up to 300MW(e) per module; installations and services essential for the European value chain to build up to a higher rate;
Amendment 915 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
(5 a) concerning natural gas: all infrastructure, equipment, installation or services which were part of natural gas projects that were included in the fourth or fifth Union list established pursuant to Regulation (EU) No347/2013 and not yet finished.
Amendment 933 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – Part 2 – point 4
Annex III – Part 2 – point 4
(4) as of 1 January 2024, the proposed hydrogen projects of common interest falling under the categories set out in point (3) of Annex II are projects that are part of the latest available Union-wide ten-year network development plan for gas, developed by the ENTSO for Gas pursuant Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 715/2009. with the participation and close cooperation of hydrogen project promoters, and with due consideration to the Agency opinion referred to in Article 4(3)(b) of Regulation EU (2019/942).
Amendment 937 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – Part 2 – point 5 – introductory part
Annex III – Part 2 – point 5 – introductory part
(5) by 30 June 2022 and, subsequently, for every Union-wide ten-year network development plans, the Agency shall issue, in close cooperation with the ENTSO for Electricity and ENTSO for Gas shall issue, updated guidelines for inclusion of projects in their respective Union-wide ten-year network development plans, referred to in points (3) and (4), in order to ensure equal treatment and transparency of the process. For all the projects included in the Union list of projects of common interest in force at the time, the guidelines shall define a simplified process of includata provision infor the Union-wide ten-year network development plans by automatic inclusion taking into account the documentation and data already submitted during the previous Union-wide ten-year network development plan processes as long as the information therein remains valid.
Amendment 943 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – Part 2 – point 6
Annex III – Part 2 – point 6
(6) proposed carbon dioxide transport and storage projects falling under the category set out in point (5) of Annex II shall be presented as part of a plan, developed by at least two Member States, for the development of cross-border carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure, to be presented by the Member States concerned or entities designated by those Member States to the Commission.
Amendment 947 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – Part 2 – point 11
Annex III – Part 2 – point 11
(11) the Group shall meet to examine and rank the proposed projects, based on a transparent assessment, using the criteria set out in Article 4, while taking into account the assessment of the regulators, or the assessment of the Commission for projects not falling within the competency of national regulatory authorities.
Amendment 967 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 1 – point c
Annex IV – point 1 – point c
(c) for smart electricity grids, the project is designed for equipment and installations at high-voltage and medium- voltage level. It involves transmission system operators, transmission and distribution system operators or distribution system operators from at least two Member States. Distribution system operators can be involved only with the support of the transmission system operators, of at least two Member States, that are closely associated to the project and ensure interoperability. A project coversatisfies at least two of the following criteria: 50000 users, generators, consumers or prosumers of electricity, in an consumption area of at least 300 Gigawatthours/year, of which at least 20 %the energy consumed originates from at least 20% variable renewable resources;
Amendment 969 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 1 – point d
Annex IV – point 1 – point d
(d) for hydrogen transmission, the project enables the transmission of hydrogen across the borders of the Member States concerned, directly or indirectly, or increases existing cross-border hydrogen transport capacity at a border between two Member States by at least 10 % compared to the situation prior to the commissioning of the project, and the project sufficiently demonstrates that it is an essential part of a planned cross- border hydrogen network and provides sufficient proof of existing plans and cooperation with neighbouring countries and network operators;
Amendment 970 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 1 – point e
Annex IV – point 1 – point e
(e) for hydrogen storage or hydrogen reception facilities referred to in point (3) of Annex II, the project aims at supplying directly or indirectly at least two Member States; or the project sufficiently demonstrates that it is an essential part of a priority corridor or thematic area;
Amendment 972 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 1 – point f
Annex IV – point 1 – point f
(f) for electrolysers, the project provides at least 1060 MW installed capacity and the brings benefits directly or indirectly to at least two Member Stateproject sufficiently demonstrates that it is an essential part of a priority corridor or thematic area. For innovative midstream value chains, the project provides at least 30 MW installed capacity and demonstrates that it is an essential part of a priority corridor or thematic area. The project can reach these capacities through several phases and/or projects;
Amendment 978 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 1 – point g
Annex IV – point 1 – point g
(g) for smart gas grids, a project involves transmission system operators, transmission and distribution system operators or distribution system operators from at least two Member Statessufficiently demonstrates that it is an essential part of a priority corridor or thematic area. Distribution system operators can be involved only with the support of the transmission system operators, of at least two Member States, that are closely associated to the project and ensure interoperability.
Amendment 979 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 1 – point g a (new)
Annex IV – point 1 – point g a (new)
(g a) For projects of common interest in the category set out in point (5) of Annex II, the project can be used to transport or store anthropogenic carbon dioxide by at least two Member States.
Amendment 985 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 2 – point a
Annex IV – point 2 – point a
(a) for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (1)(a) and (e) of Annex II, the project increases the grid transfer capacity, or the capacity available for commercial flows, at the border of that Member State with one or more third countries and brings significant benefits, under the specific criteria listed in in Article 4(3), to at least twoone Member States. The calculation of the benefits for the Member States shall be performed and published by the ENTSO for Electricity in the frame of Union-wide ten-year network development plan;
Amendment 989 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 2 – point b
Annex IV – point 2 – point b
(b) for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (3) of Annex II, the hydrogen project enables the transmission of hydrogen across at the border of a Member State with one or more third countries and proves bringing significant benefits, under the specific criteria listed in in Article 4(3), to at least twoone Member States. The calculation of the benefits for the Member States shall be performed and published by the ENTSO for Gas in the frame of Union-wide ten- year network development plan;
Amendment 994 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 2 – point c
Annex IV – point 2 – point c
(c) for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (5) of Annex II, the project can be used to transport and store anthropogenic carbon dioxide by at least twoone Member States and a third country.
Amendment 1012 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 5 – point a
Annex IV – point 5 – point a
(a) Sustainability measured as the contribution of a project to: direct or indirect greenhouse gas emission reductions in different end-usehard to abate sector applications, such as industry, heating, cooling or transport; flexibility and seasonal storage options for renewable electricity generation; or the integration of renewable hydrogen into harder to abate sectors.
Amendment 1016 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 5 – point b
Annex IV – point 5 – point b
(b) market integration and interoperability measured by calculating the additional value of the project to the integration of market areas and price convergence, to the overall flexibilitysignificantly increasing existing cross-border hydrogen transport capacity at a border between two Member States compared to the situation prior to the commissioning of the systemproject.
Amendment 1027 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 6 – point b
Annex IV – point 6 – point b
(b) quality and security of supply measured by assessing the ratio of reliably available gas supply and peak demand, the share of imports replaced by local renewable and low-carbon gases, the stability of system operation, including through the assessment of avoided curtailment of renewable electricity generation, and the duration and frequency of interruptions per customer.
Amendment 1037 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 7 – point a
Annex IV – point 7 – point a
(a) sustainability measured by assessing the share of renewable hydrogen or hydrogen meeting the criteria defined in point (4) (a) (ii) of Annex II or synthetic methane integrated into the network, and the related greenhouse gas emission savings;
Amendment 1041 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 7 – point c
Annex IV – point 7 – point c
(c) the facilitation of smart energy sector integration measured by assessing the cost savingsand greenhouse gas savings and the efficient use of energy enabled in connected energy sectors and systems, such as the gas, hydrogen, power and heat networks, the transport and industry sectors, and the volume of demand response enabled.
Amendment 1050 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 4
Annex V – point 4
(4) it shall give guidance for the development and use of network and market modelling necessary for the cost- benefit analysis. The modelling shall allow for a full assessment of economic, including market integration, security of supply, improving capacity to integrate renewable production, optimising investment and competition, social and environmental and climate impacts, including the cross-sectorial impacts. The methodology shall be fully transparent and include details on why, what and how each of the benefits and costs are calculated.
Amendment 1059 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V a (new)
Annex V a (new)
The development for the joint scenarios by ENTSO for Electricity and ENTSO for Gas shall satisfy the following principles: (1) the TYNDP scenarios for energy demand and supply are developed for the purpose of a robust testing of electricity and gas infrastructure (including hydrogen infrastructure).It shall ensure that the scenarios reflect both the EU climate and energy targets, including energy efficiency,2030 targets and 2050 targets, and the national energy and climate plans of the Member States; (2) it shall take into account the potential, pace and scale of new renewable and low carbon technologies and whenever possible to quantify the future use.Sources and data shall be updated and made publicly available with each exercise; (3) it shall be based on data sources which guarantee the highest level of objectivity, hence favouring the use of sources stemming from independent bodies and organisations including but not limited to the European Commission and International Energy Agency; (4) it shall be supported by a stakeholder group representing all interested parties (Commission, regulators, infrastructure operators incl. DSOs, industry, business associations and NGOs)which shall formulate opinions to be duly taken into account by the ENTSO for Electricity and ENTSO for Gas unless they can justify a rejection; (5) all steps taken during the development of the joint scenarios shall be made fully transparent:elaboration of the storylines, methodology for the consideration of all energy sectors and their interlinkages, methodology for defining the supply and demand assumptions; (6) ENTSO for Electricity and ENTSO for Gas shall set up a transparent process for stakeholder consultations, for dealing with conflicting opinions and data, and publish their analysis of the feedback received during the various public consultations; (7) at all decisive junctures in the development of the joint scenarios a consistency and robustness check shall be carried out to ensure the full alignment of the scenarios with relevant factors and parameters, including energy efficiency targets, renewable energy targets, and the relevant European energy and climate targets; (8) scenario storylines shall consider contrasted futures in terms of infrastructure utilisation and needs.The scenarios shall consider the entire European energy system and not be limited to electricity and gas carriers, and they shall reflect different futures including contrast between self- sufficiency and import dependence, and also considering national energy policies and strategies; (9) ENTSO for Electricity and ENTSO for Gas shall publish on their websites all data and underlying assumptions used as input or resulting from the scenarios.