36 Amendments of Alejo VIDAL-QUADRAS related to 2012/2103(INI)
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to the new Energy Efficiency Directive,
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises the benefits to Member States of working together for an energy system transformation which must start now; endorses, therefore, the Commission's Energy Roadmap 2050 as the basis for proposing legislative and other initiatives on energy policy with a view to developing a policy framework for 2030, including appropriate economically efficient decarbonisation milestones and targets; notes that defining energy targets for 2050 assumes pan- European governance; pursues, within the spirit of the Union, a technology-neutral strategy that will allow Member States to cooperate and not feel repressed under the Roadmap;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that a single GHG reduction target to 2030, at a level consistent with the 2050 EU decarbonisation aspirations, would help reduce the overall costs of the policy and simplify the EU legislative framework;
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the importance of the EU's energy policy amidst the financial crisis; emphasises the role that energy could potentially play in spurring growth and competitiveness in the EU; calls on the Commission to propose post-2020 strategies and to present a 2030 policy framework for European energy policy including a proposal for a single GHG reduction target compatible with EU 2050 decarbonisation aspirations and backed by an Impact Assessment; encourages the Member States to step up their ongoing efforts to reach the current 2020 targets in the area of EU energy policy;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that a clear policy and regulatory framework will stimulate the necessary investments for low-carbon energy investments; Underlines the importance of an energy strategy focused on increasing the EU's energy security and economic competitiveness through measures such as the diversification of supply routes and sources, and energy efficiency and a more efficient and optimised power system design to boost investments in low-carbon energy production and backup generation;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that a clear policy and regulatory framework will stimulate the necessary investments for low-carbon energy investments in an economically efficient way; Underlines the importance of an energy strategy focused on increasing the EU's energy security and economic competitiveness through measures such as the diversification of supply routes and sources, and energy efficiency;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that it is in the competence of each Member State to define its own energy mix; acknowledges that the Energy Roadmap 2050 complements national, regional and local efforts to modernise energy supply; acknowledges, therefore, the need for Member States to work together on the basis of common objectives, as well as the important role to be played by the EU; urges the Member States and the Commission to continue to pursue options which can meet the EU's decarbonisation objective in an technology- neutral, economically efficient, reliable, safe and sustainable way whilst minimising market distortions, and to continue with efforts to fully tap the potential for cost-effective energy savings, supported, inter alia, by available Union financial instruments; recognises, at the same time, the merits of developing a coordinated and, where appropriate, common European approach;
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Agrees with the Commission, however, that EU action is based on the assumption that global climate action is taken and should not be developed in isolation but take account of international developments, for example carbon leakage and adverse effects on competitiveness;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Acknowledges the conclusions reached in the Energy Roadmap 2050 that there are similarities between the actions that must be taken in the analysed scenarios in order to transform the EU's energy system, regardless of the specific path chosen to achieve a low-carbon 2050 energy system; believes that while renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy infrastructure are ‘no regrets’ options, the way and extent to which they are pursued can have profound cost implications which should be taken into account;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Acknowledges the conclusions reached in the Energy Roadmap 2050 that there are similarities between the actions that must be taken in the analysed scenarios in order to transform the EU's ageing energy system and infrastructure, regardless of the specific path chosen to achieve an optimised low-carbon 2050 energy system; believes that renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy infrastructure are ‘no regrets’ options;
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises that a higher share of renewable energy beyond 2020 is a key aspect of a more sustainable energy system; recognises, furthermore, that all of the decarbonisation scenarios explored in the Commission communication assume an increased share of renewable energy in the EU energy mix of around 30% in gross final energy consumption in 2030; believes that the move towards a better energy efficiency policy should include a focus on the whole energy supply and demand chain including transformation, transmission, distribution and supply, alongside industrial, building and household consumption;
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises that a higher share of renewable energy beyond 2020 is a key aspect of a more sustainable energy system; recognises, furthermore, that all of the decarbonisation scenarios explored in the Commission communication assume an increased share of renewable energy in the EU energy mix of around 30% in gross final energy consumption in 2030; Stresses, however, the importance of all low-carbon electricity production if decarbonisation and climate goals are to be achieved without jeopardising security of supply and competitiveness;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises that a higher share of mature renewable energy sources beyond 2020 is a key aspect of a more sustainable energy system; recognises, furthermore, that all of the decarbonisation scenarios explored in the Commission communication assume an increased share of renewable energy in the EU energy mix of around 30% in gross final energy consumption in 2030;
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that improved energy efficiency and energy savings will play an essential role in the transformation of the energy system, and that meeting the 2020 objectives is an important basis key priority for further progress up to 2050; recommends, in this respect, that energy efficiency be integrated into national educational curricula in the Member States;
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises the urgent need for new, smart and flexible infrastructure – including, specially smart grids and(including smart meters –) and fully integrated network planning in order, inter alia, to integrate local and more remoteall sources of renewable energy across the EU, as has been proven necessary; recalls that cost-optimal policies differ according to demand pattern, supply potential, geographic characteristics and economic context at local level; stresses, moreover, the urgent need for the establishment of a stable and predictable regulatory frameworks as well as mechanisms to allow for EU financing of infrastructure projects of common interest;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises the urgent need for new, smart and flexible energy infrastructure – including smart grids, flexible low- emission backup generation and smart meters – and fully integrated network planning in order, inter alia, to integrate local and more remote sources of renewable energy across the EU, as has been proven necessary; stresses, moreover, the urgent need for the establishment of mechanisms to create EU-wide market mechanisms to boost flexible backup generation uptake and to allow for EU financing of infrastructure projects of common interest;
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Highlights the need at European, national and local levels to take an integrated approach encompassing potential savings in the energy supply and the end-use sectors; thinks that the transition to a low carbon economy calls for greater attention to be paid to the heat and cooling sectors; further states that local stakeholders have to play a key role in implementing a low carbon vision and in fostering a local, integrated approach to energy;
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses that EU should have a strategy for the biggest energy consumption sector, heating and cooling composing 40 % of the primary energy consumption and 36 % of CO2 emissions;
Amendment 214 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that a more European approach to renewable policy is key in the medium to long term; encourages Member States to work together in order to optimise the cost efficiency of renewables expansion and to ensure that investments are made where they will be most productive and efficient, taking into account the specific characteristics of Member States; highlights, in this context, the Commission's important role as a facilitator; points out that renewables will, in the long term, move to the centre of the energy mix in Europe, as they progress from technology development to mass production and deployment, from small- scale to larger-scale – integrating local and more remote sources – and from subsidised to competitive; emphasises that the changing nature of renewables requires changes in policy to be made with a view to achieving greater market integration; stresses thus the importance of finding the optimal solution for renewable integration by balancing the electricity grid with dynamic and environmentally sound generation technologies; highlights the need for support schemes to be phased out as technologies and supply chains mature and market failures are resolved;
Amendment 230 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. In order to boost Europe's competitiveness by promoting renewable energy technology exports, calls on Member States and the European Commission to support and promote open market policies for renewable goods in order to ensure the removal of all trade barriers, both tariff and non-tariff barriers, including local content requirements;
Amendment 252 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that, as Member States pursue the goal of energy security and energy independence, emphasis needs to be shifted towards a model of energy interdependence by ensuring the swift completion of the EU internal energy market and the EU supergrid infrastructure linking North and South, and East and West; highlights the importance of ensuring that policy and regulatory developments in Member States will fully implement the provisions of the three liberalisation packages, eliminate remaining infrastructure ‘bottlenecks’ and will not create new barriers to electricity and gas or energy market integration; stresses, moreover, that energy policy decisions in each national system need to take account of how such decisions could affect other Member States;
Amendment 278 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights the new challenges, such as the need for flexible resources in the power system (e.g. flexible generation, storage, demand management), that will arise as the contribution of variable renewable generation increases; stresses the need to have adequate instruments to guarantee that sufficient back-up capacity is available to ensure security of electricity supply; stresses, in this regard, that policy developments in Member States should not create new barriers to electricity- or gas- market integration allowing for sufficient incentives for generation to maintain system adequacy;
Amendment 279 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights the new challenges, such as the need for flexible resources in the power system (e.g. flexible generation, storage, demand management), that will arise as the contribution of variable renewable generation increases; stresses the need to have sufficient capacity available to match supply with demand, thus ensureing security of electricity supply; stresses, in this regard, that policy developments in Member States should not create new barriers to electricity- or gas-market integration;
Amendment 297 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Is concerned by the delays affecting the completion of the Southern Corridor; stresses the need to achieve energy security through energy diversification and emphasises the potential of a complementary LNG corridor in the East Mediterranean to serve as a flexible source of energy and an incentive for increased competition within the EU internal energy market;
Amendment 318 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the Member States and the international community to maintain educational institutions capable of producing skilled labour force in the areas of energy safety, security, efficiency and waste management;
Amendment 320 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Believes that all types of low-carbon technology will be needed to achieve the ambitious goal of decarbonising the EU's energy system in general and the electricity sector in particular. It will remain uncertain which technologies will be technically and commercially proven within the required time scale. Flexibility must be preserved in order to allow adaptation to the technological and socio- economic changes that will arise;
Amendment 363 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Agrees with the Commission that nuclear energy will remain in the EU power generation mix since it remains a key source of low carbon electricity generation and, according to the scenario analysis, can contribute to lower system costs and electricity prices;
Amendment 398 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. While recognising that the EU operates in a global context, recalls the November 2011 TTE Council Conclusions on strengthening the external dimension of the EU energy policy, the need for a broader and more coordinated EU approach to international energy relations in order to meet global energy challenges and climate change, address competitiveness and carbon leakage related issues and maintain and promote the highest nuclear safety standards, while at the same time ensuring the safe, secure and diversified supply of energy; recalls that Climate change is a global challenge, and consequently further international commitments from other countries, mainly coming from the major carbon emitters should be consistent with long term EU climate policies to avoid carbon leakage and adverse effects on European competitiveness;
Amendment 433 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Recognises that the ETS is the principal – though not the only – instrument for reducing industrial emissions and promoting investment in low carbon technologies; notes that any further improvement of the ETS is necessary; notes that any changes to the ETSr change of the ETS must deal with post-2020 regime and would require a careful assessment of the impact on electricity prices and on the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries; calls on the Commission in the context of further opening the EU internal electricity markets - without compromising the current ETS objectives - to also investigate new electricity market designs in order to prevent unacceptable high market prices caused by carbon price pass through; calls on the Commission and the Member States to facilitate the development of innovative technological solutions by European industries;
Amendment 456 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the EU to continue to play an active role in the international negotiations on the global climate deal; takes the opinion that climate diplomacy should come under the umbrella of the European External Action Service (EEAS); stresses that the EU needs to know what the consequences of a failure to conclude a global climate change agreement would be and what are the impacts to the EU climate and energy policies;
Amendment 458 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Underlines the importance of research, both at EU and Member State level, for bringing forward new technology developments and advancements in the energy field and for maintaining EU technology leadership, such that the energy transition will contribute to the European agenda for growth and jobs;
Amendment 459 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Emphasises that non-ETS sector causes some 55 % of the EU's GHG emissions and at the same time with ETS it is essential to ensure that also non-ETS sector is taking its responsibility on emissions reductions; Stresses the need for political guidance on the EU level and concrete actions to address this issue;
Amendment 479 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Believes that, while energy bills in Europe have risen in recent years, this development has given rise to the rise in recent years of energy bills in Europe has developed a ‘smart’, common sense-based approach to energy efficiency and energy savings; believes, regardless,stresses that the role of ICT technologies is increasingly important for energy; highlights, in this context, the roleand its implementation throughout SmartGrid networks is increasingly important for the development of efficient energy consumption and, in particular, the development of smart meters inwhich providinges consumers with data on energy consumption, in households and businesses;
Amendment 482 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Believes that, while energy bills in Europe have risen in recent years, this development has given rise to a ‘smart’, common sense-based approach to energy efficiency and energy savings; believes, regardless, that the role of ICT technologies is increasingly important for energy; highlights, in this context, the role of smart meters in providing consumers with data on energy consumption in households and businesses; underlines that consumers shall become active stakeholders in energy efficiency by having visibility on their energy consumption, and by effectively monitoring and controlling it;
Amendment 488 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Believes that the roll out of Smart Grids is a matter of urgency. Without them, the integration of distributed renewable generation and the improvement of energy consumption efficiency, which are basic for the achievement of the European objectives 20/20/20, will not be possible;
Amendment 502 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls on the Commission to ensure that Horizon 2020 and the European Innovation Partnerships under the Innovation Union prioritise the need to develop all types of sustainable low carbon technologies in order to spur EU competitiveness, promote job opportunities and bring about a change in consumer behaviour; emphasises that more R&D focus should be put on energy system-level optimisation;