Commission calls for 'new industrial revolution'
Combating climate change and boosting the EU's energy security and competitiveness are the goals of a package of energy policy documents put forward by the European Commission on 10 January, under the banner 'a new Energy Policy for Europe'. 'Today marks a step change for the European Union. Energy policy was a core area at the start of the European project. We must now return it to centre stage,' said European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. 'If we take the right decisions now, Europe can lead the world to a new industrial revolution: the development of a low carbon economy,' added EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs. 'Our ambition to create a working internal market, to promote a clean an efficient energy mix and to make the right choices in the research and development will determine whether we lead this new scenario or we follow others.' On climate change, the Commission proposes that the EU commits to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2020. It aims to do this by improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy, promoting the use of biofuels, and developing greater use of so-called 'clean' fossil fuel technologies. Achieving these goals will entail serious investments in research and development; the Commission notes that the budget for energy research increased substantially under FP7, and proposes that these funds increase further after 2013. During the coming months the European Commission will prepare a European Strategic Energy Technology Plan. The aim of this document will be to accelerate innovation in the energy technology field, and push the European industry to turn the threats of climate change and security of supply into opportunities to increase its competitiveness. The Commission intends to draw up the plan in consultation with stakeholders such as the relevant European Technology Platforms and FP7 Advisory Groups. A public consultation will also be held, and the Commission hopes to present the final version of the plan to the European Heads of Government at their Spring Council meeting in 2008. The importance of international research cooperation is also highlighted. 'The EU should significantly step up its research and technology cooperation with third countries,' states the Commission. 'This should include setting up large scale technology demonstration projects in key developing countries, in particular on carbon capture and geological storage.' Other areas where action is needed include research into the regional and local impacts of climate change and the development of appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies. The Commission's ambitious proposals met with a mixed response from stakeholders. Claude Mandil, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, said the documents 'constitute a significant first step toward developing an effective integrated approach to the energy challenges facing [the EU's] member countries and are consistent with the main findings of recent IEA analysis.' Meanwhile the renewable energy industry suggested the Commission was 'endangering renewable energy development' in Europe. 'Instead of strengthening what already delivers good results in renewables electricity and biofuels, the Commission puts this at risk for vague and ambiguous announcements,' commented Oliver Schäfer, Policy Director of the European Renewable Energy Council. Green groups were also critical of the proposals; WWF described them as 'inadequate' and called on Germany, as holder of the EU Presidency, to strengthen the proposals when they are presented to the European Heads of Government at their Council Meeting in March. Ultimately the Commission hopes that its actions will set an example for the rest of the developed world. 'Acting against climate change is imperative,' commented Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas. 'I urge the rest of the developed world to follow our lead, match our reductions and accelerate progress towards an international agreement on the global emission reductions.'