WRITTEN QUESTION P-0386/04 by Jean Saint-Josse (EDD) to the Commission. Wind turbines.
Date: 2004-02-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: bird, choice of technology, cost-benefit analysis, energy diversification, energy policy, energy technology, protection of animal life, wind energy

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/385

(cid:1) if its total annual net turnover was not less than EUR 40 million over the period of the two financial
years preceding that in which it enjoyed a special or exclusive right or was entrusted with the
operation of a service of general economic interest;

(cid:1) and if it receives aid which was not fixed for an appropriate period following an open, transparent

and non-discriminatory procedure.

Ordnance Survey could therefore be subject to an obligation to keep separate accounts if it is entrusted
with the operation of a service of general economic interest.

The UK authorities have told the Commission that
they have introduced the necessary legislative,
regulatory and administrative measures to comply with the transparency obligations imposed by the
Community directives.

(1) Commission Directive 80/723/EEC of 25 June 1980, OJ L 195, 29.7.1980, as amended by Directives 85/413/EEC
of 24 July 1985, OJ L 229, 28.8.1985, 93/84/EEC of 30 September 1993, OJ L 254, 12.10.1993 and 2000/52/EC
of 26 July 2000, OJ L 193, 29.7.2000.

(2004/C 84 E/0447)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0386/04

by Jean Saint-Josse (EDD) to the Commission

(6 February 2004)

Subject: Wind turbines

The construction of a large number of wind turbines is planned in France.

Has the European Commission studied the total financial cost for public authorities (Europe, national and
others) of developing this type of energy in comparison with the cost of other forms of energy
production?

Moreover, given the serious consequences of the building of wind turbines, in particular for migratory
birds and the safety of goods and people, does the Commission still consider it appropriate to encourage
this type of energy production?

Has the Commission assessed the benefits and drawbacks of wind turbines, with reference to the latest
research?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2004)

The total financial cost for public authorities has not been studied as such by the Community but the
Commission supports, under its programmes, studies which aim at updating data regarding the following
aspects of wind energy: technology, costs, prices and values, industry and employment, environment and
market development.

Given the important contribution that renewable energy sources, such as wind energy, are making to
tackling climate change, including EU targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in accordance with the
is appropriate to encourage this type of energy
it
Kyoto protocol,
production.

the Commission considers that

Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that the achievement of this target is not to the detriment of other
including nature protection. The compatibility of these policy objectives is
environmental objectives,
envisaged by the process of environmental assessment outlined in the Commission’s answer to Written
Question P-0339/04 by Mr Bernié (1).

(1) See page 365.