WRITTEN QUESTION E-2119/03

by Isabelle Caullery (UEN) to the Commission

(25 June 2003)

Subject: Development of renewable energy sources in Armenia

1. Can the Commission inform us of the various types of aid, measures, programmes and/or budget lines that can be used to promote the development of renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy, in Armenia, and does it consider that the TACIS programme can be called upon in this framework?

2. Can the Commission also tell us what facilities are offered by the EIB to promote this type of energy in Armenia?

3. In its relations with Armenia, does the Commission try to promote the objective of the European directive whereby by 2010 12 % of the energy used in Europe will be from renewable sources?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2003)

1. The TACIS programme is the EC's main technical assistance instrument for the countries of the former Soviet Union. Under the Indicative Programme 2004-2006, assistance is to be provided to Armenia with a view to planning and implementing policies and measures to ease the transition from nuclear energy to various alternative sources of energy. Assistance to the Ministry of Energy is designed to help develop policies and measures to promote, on the demand side, energy saving, the adoption of efficient technologies and measures to foster investment in those technologies, and on the supply side, efficient production capacity to replace the national nuclear power station, including gas, hydropower and renewable sources. The precise content of the assistance programme will be established in conjunction with the competent Armenian authorities when the TACIS action programmes for Armenia are drawn up. Subject to Armenia's agreement, wind energy could also be included.

Among the instruments offered by the Community in this field, the multiannual programme Intelligent Energy Europe, which covers 2003, is open only to EU candidate countries and to EFTA member countries. This Programme promotes sustainable development of the energy market with priority going to energy efficiency (SAVE), the use of renewable sources of energy (Altener) and energy diversification in, inter alia, transport (STEER) and comprises a component supporting initiatives in developing countries (Coopener). The decision on the list of countries eligible for Coopener will be taken when the Intelligent Energy Europe work programme is approved and the guidelines and implementing arrangements are set out.

2. Armenia is not on the list of countries eligible for the facilities offered by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

3. The 12 % objective was mentioned in the 1997 Commission White Paper which contained a strategy and action plan for the promotion of renewable sources of energy in the EU. Their contribution to EU gross domestic consumption is planned to double (from 6 % to 12 %) by 2010. Directive 2001/77/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2001 on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market(1) set indicative objectives for all Member States and the 10 candidate countries for 2010. These reference values are to be found in the Annex to the Directive and the 25-member EU must meet them by 2010. The Commission is keeping a close eye on the process under way and would be authorised, where necessary, to set binding objectives in 2004.

The promotion of renewable energies in Armenia is discussed as part of the regular dialogue with that country and is one strand in the approach to replace the Medzamor nuclear power station. However, the issue of a quantified objective to be attained within a set period has not yet been raised.

(1) OJ L 283, 27.10.2001.