Debate: Revision of the guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure - Objection pursuant to Rule  Union list of projects of common interest
Date: MONDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 2020
Speaker: Kadri Simson
Language: EN

In the Green Deal Resolution adopted in January, Parliament stressed the importance of modern, clean, secure and smart new energy infrastructure for delivering the European Green Deal. I share the same vision. Turning this vision into reality requires making the TEN-E Regulation adopted in 2013 fit for Europe’s future energy system and fully aligned with the European Green Deal.  If we want to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, we have no time to lose. As you know, the Commission was due to carry out an evaluation on TEN-E this year. I have decided to accelerate this evaluation and in parallel to start work on a revision of the TEN-E Regulation in order to present a legislative proposal in December 2020.  The overarching objective is to design a future-proof framework that will allow us to fund the infrastructure we need for the European Green Deal. The focus will clearly shift to deploying clean energy across the whole economy in the most efficient way. By 2050, the share of electricity in the total energy consumption is expected to be more than double. We need electricity infrastructures and innovative technologies such as smart grids, offshore wind and hydrogen that works. Also carbon capture, storage and utilisation and energy storage.  The new framework should in particular look at promoting sector integration, and I will consult widely stakeholders in the preparation of the proposal. And of course I will involve Parliament early on.  I commit to speed up work as much as possible, but we cannot risk cutting corners. That’s why December is our targeted date for adoption. I hope Council and Parliament will be able to process this proposal quickly, as they have done for other priority proposals in the past. But it is possible that the new regulation will not be in force in time for the adoption of the 5th projects of common interest (PCI) list in fall 2021. In this case, I intend to already ensure that the process for the selection of the 5th list of projects of common interest will already reflect the European Green Deal priorities. That means, firstly, that the sustainability criteria for all candidate projects will be strengthened to take better into account for each project its CO2 and methane emissions.  Secondly, I will strive to integrate more energy transition projects in the 5th PCI process, in particular smart clean CO2 infrastructure projects. I commit to work closely with the Member States and project promoters to help bring forward these projects. And, thirdly, I will strengthen the involvement of Parliament during key steps in the selection process, including the regional groups. I intend to establish a continuous political dialogue with you and the ITRE Committee. I will be guided by the objective to include more innovative projects enabling the transmission of renewable and decarbonised gases and projects enabling the smart integration of electricity and gas networks.  Finally, the oral question asks how we will approach the funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) of the projects in the 4th PCI list. The PCI label is a precondition for CEF funding, but not a guarantee.  While respecting the current rules and procedures, the Commission will ensure that the European Green deal will provide the background against which the selection process for PCI funding will be assessed. I note that already the CEF Regulation governing the financing of PCIs gives priority to electricity projects over gas. Honourable Members, I have set out my views for the future of TEN-E. In this light, I hope that Parliament will vote in favour of the 4th PCI list. The list includes key infrastructure projects that sustain the increasing share of renewables, address the remaining energy security challenges and underpin the modernisation of an integrated infrastructure. Electricity projects make up three quarters of the 4th PCI list. An objection to the 4th PCI list would mean that the 3rd PCI list remains in force, a list with 40% more gas projects than the new list. As a consequence, key electricity interconnectors and energy transition projects such as the North Sea wind-power hub, new smart green projects and new CO2 network projects would not be eligible for funding under the Connecting Europe Facility.  I have set out how I intend to work on an energy infrastructure policy fit for the future. I will work closely together with Parliament. I count on your input and support for making the TEN-E policy a driving force for Europe’s climate neutrality transition.