First of all, The EPP Group wants to change the criteria for the funding of European energy infrastructure projects. All to be in line with EU Climate Policy.
“For most importantly, the guidelines should not hinder the other EU objectives. Those of energy market integration. That’s as well as energy security and affordable energy. This was stated Christian Ehler Member of Parliment (MEP). For he is EPP Group Spokesman in the Industry Committee (ITRE).
The Committee voted on a request to the European Commission. All to update the guidelines for the selection of energy projects (the so-called TEN-E) in the EU. The recent guidelines date from 2013. This is well before the Paris Climate Agreement.
Airlines First Please!
The GHG market is getting heated. At a time when many are adopting the narrative that carbon markets are faltering. Yet the European Union (EU) is aggressively pursuing the expansion of theirs to include aviation. One of only two mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) cap-and-trade systems in the world. So the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) plans to fold in a new sector beginning in January 2012. Our research shows reducing GHG emissions from aviation is critical. Especially if we are to mitigate the impacts of global climate change.
So low-carbon fuel technology and other technologies for airplanes are advancing at a rapid clip. Yet we need a climate policy. That’s either a price on carbon or something else – to get over the hump.
Although there are many opportunities to reduce aviation’s impact on global climate change available now. Yet experts expect GHG emissions from aviation to grow. All by up to 300 percent by 2050 if left unchecked.
So action in the areas of advanced biofuels, airplane navigation and landing systems. As well as engine and airframe efficiency. For all could help considerably. However, because of market failures, many new technologies may not succeed without public policy.
Business Stepping Up after Paris
As I wrote before,
For more than 1,000 companies and institutions, including more than a dozen Fortune 500 businesses, signed onto a statement. The agreement is called ”We Are Still In“. That’s saying they’re committed to meeting the Paris targets.
Yet the statement calls Trump’s decision “a grave mistake that endangers the American public and hurts America’s economic security and diplomatic reputation.” By then the coalition’s numbers had climbed past 1,400.
A dozen states that together represent the world’s third-largest economy and more than 200 cities had also committed to the Paris accord through various coalitions.
Trump’s decision to leave the Paris climate agreement was shocking yet was in the Nations interest. However the world’s biggest economies denounced the move and insisted they would remain in the pact. While the president claimed he would contemplate a renegotiation of a deal! One that “puts America first”. However the UN and several U.S. allies said renegotiation isn’t in the cards. I’m not too sure so about that!
Immediately after the announcement, a loud and adamant chorus. One with a diverse array of members, from the CEO of Disney to the state of Delaware. All began announcing or reaffirming their own emissions-related and clean energy goals.
Need Proposal by European Community. Expected by END OF 2020
So they are looking forward to a new proposal from the European Commission by the end of 2020. I mean at the latest. The guidelines should in particular take into consideration the EU’s climate targets. All for 2030 and the Energy Efficiency First Principle!
In conclusion, this so-called Trans European Energy Infrastructure (TEN-E) guidelines are used supposedly. All to select EU energy infrastructure projects (PCI list) that are eligible for receiving EU financing.
Finally, the latest list (4th) of energy projects was adopted by the European Parliament in February 2020. The next list (5th) is expected to be published in autumn 2021.
As I wrote:
In conclusion, EU Climate Policy Explained shows that there is no single policy. I mean no silver bullet that can bring down greenhouse gasses. So the challenge has been to put a jigsaw. A puzzle of policy instruments. All in concert and that is coherent. One that delivers emissions reductions. As well as one that is cost-effective.
Finally, Jos Delbeke has been the Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action. That’s since its origination in 2010. He also obtained a Ph.D. in economics (Louvain, 1986). Also he lectures at the University of Louvain. Also Belgium on European and international environmental policy
Source: EPP Group
