WRITTEN QUESTION E-2742/00

by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(1 September 2000)

Subject: Possibility of investment in Sardinia in conjunction with the regional development programme 2000-2006 and overhead high tension power lines in the vicinity of Lake Molentergius, Sardinia

The energy and gas authority has described the quality of Sardinia's electricity service as the worst in the country. Both the number and duration of the power cuts are among the highest for all Italian regions. Measures in the energy policy sector are planned under the regional development programme 2000-2006.

What investments does the Commission intend to promote in Sardinia to remedy the shortcomings there (lack of main stations, 15 000 volt medium-voltage lines, low-voltage stations and lines), without damaging the landscape and environment of Sardinia? What percentage of energy policy resources will be allocated to renewable sources of energy? What percentage of energy needs should be met from renewable energy sources by the end of the regional development programme 2000-2006?

The Lake of Molentergius, which is a protected area under the Ramsar Convention, lies in the path of two 150 000-volt high-voltage power lines which, as pointed out in protests by environmental groups, represent a threat to local bird life, particularly pink flamingoes. In other parts of Sardinia, overhead power lines of the same kind run through residential areas, in particular the districts of Pitze Serra, Quartu (S. Elena) and Serra Secca, Sassari.

Could the Commission provide funds from the regional development programme 2000-2006 financed by the structural funds available for energy policy, in order to remove overhead power lines in environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Lake of Molentergius, and replace them with underground cables?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2000)

The Commission is aware that Sardinia is lagging behind in the energy sector.

To this end, the Regional Operational Programme for Sardinia has established priorities in this sector, under the Community support framework for the Italian regions eligible for Objective 1 in 2000-2006, which include in particular, developing renewable sources as well as supporting the request for energy-saving measures. These priorities are included in measure 1.6 of the Natural Resources priority, which provides for the part-financing of measures in the solar, hydroelectric, wind energy sectors and biomass. The stated aim is to double the percentage of energy produced by these means before 2010 (from the current 2 % to 4 %).

In accordance with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural(1) Funds, the implementation of this measure as well as the financial resources needed will be clarified in the programming complement.

The Commission is also aware of the problem regarding Lake Molentergius. Where this matter is concerned, measure 1.5 of the Natural Resources priority provides for the financing of measures to reduce the impact of high-voltage lines in particularly sensitive sites (Natura 2000 network).

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.