EU policy news

The EU Council on March 1, 2012  decided that  ” …..given the need to stimulate the private financing of key infrastructure projects, work on the pilot phase of the Europe 2020 project bond initiative should be stepped up with a view to reaching agreement by June”. The Commission had put forward a proposal on a pilot project on project bonds to finance large energy, ICT and transport  infrastructure projects in the EU budget, using some money from the structural funds that would be leveraged through the European Investment Bank (EIB), involving  the private sector  through public-private partnerships, he said. Commission president Barosso said on the eve of the EU summit:  ”There is capital. But private capital needs confidence,” he said. “And we believe that there are very good projects in Europe in energy, transport and in the digital field.”    

The European Think Tank Bruegel launched a study sponsored by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking FCH JU, entitled “Public Support for the Energy and Transport System Transition”on February 2, 2012, calling for the integration of transport in Europe’s Emission Trading System to ensure the rapid commercialisation of  new technologies like fuel cell powered vehicles. “To enable the private sector to make the necessary investments for development and deployment of the technologies needed for the energy and transport system transition, a set of smart policies needs to be implemented.” Michael Holtermann the Project Leader of European School of Management and Technology‘s Market Model Electric Mobility Project reflected. The study also points to the role  of temporary infrastructure consortia for the different low-carbon fuels that would plan the deployment of its respective refueling  infrastructure. Each consortium would be given the exclusive right to sell local concessions for new fuel stations to interested retailers so that  competition between different low-carbon fuels and different retailers would be ensured. To enable the private sector to make the necessary investments for development and deployment of the technologies needed for the energy and transport system transition, a set of smart policies needs to be implemented. The Bruegel suggests that “the cost of carbon in different sectors [...]

The Japan Petroleum Energy Center (JPEC) commissioned TÜV SÜD to map the state of the art in hydrogen refuelling stations in Germany and Europe. The results of this study will be incorporated into the revision of Japan’s legal regulations for hydrogen refuelling stations. By revising the legal regulations for hydrogen refuelling stations, the Japanese government aims to advance the establishment of a national network of 70-MPa (700 bar) hydrogen refuelling stations. For this purpose, the Japan Petroleum Energy Center (JPEC) was commissioned by the Japanese Research Association of Hydrogen Supply / Utilization Technology (HySUT) and the News Energy and Industrial Development Organisation (NEDO) to develop a proposal for the revision of the existing technical standards and regulations. The new standards and regulations are planned to pave the way for constructing and operating hydrogen refuelling stations in Japan and ensure a high level of safety. On behalf of the JPEC, TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH reviewed the technical requirements and the relevant German and European regulations and standards that must be fulfilled for licensing, constructing and operating hydrogen refuelling stations in Germany. Markus Born, expert for gas refuelling stations at TÜV SÜD Industrie Service, presented the results in Tokyo in front of [...]

The European Expert Group on Future Transport Fuels has published at the end of 2011 its second report: Infrastructure for Alternative Fuels. EHA and HyER have taken part in the Group and have participated in its activities. The Report explains, Transitions in fuel supply infrastructure and vehicles will be needed for all new transport fuels. These transitions may need to be encouraged or mandated throughout all EU Member States and coordinated at the EU level in order to drive the market forward. Assuming a reduction of at least 60% of GHGs by 2050 with respect to 1990 in the transport sector, improvements in the energy efficiency of transport operations and vehicles will provide a period of several years to evaluate and develop the technologies for alternative fuel systems that will require major transitions in infrastructure and vehicle design. A timely decision on these major transitions can therefore be taken to ensure a long-term cost-effective and sustainable solution that is commensurate with adequate industrial lead-time. In view of the scope of change required for a low carbon transport system, it would be recommendable to analyse the current regulatory framework and to identify the gaps and level of policy support required to [...]

The European Commission’s Trans-European Transport Networks TEN-T Programme is one of the most important Community financing means for European transport infrastructure projects — equalling €8 billion for 2007–2013. January 10th 2012 the call was officially opened for proposals until 13 APRIL 2012. The Public Information day is scheduled for 31 January in Brussels. For more information on the event and the TEN-T Call see: TEN-T Webpage The call can serve as a good basis for proposal for deployment of hydrogen infrastructure projects. The text for the call for proposals may be found via: TEN-T call 2011  

Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE), was launched in 2003 by the European Commission, the programme is part of a broad push to create an energy-intelligent future for us all. It supports EU energy efficiency and renewable energy policies, with a view to reaching the EU 2020 targets (20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, 20% improvement in energy efficiency and 20% of renewables in EU energy consumption). Intelligent Energy – Europe creates better conditions for a more sustainable energy future in areas as varied as renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, industry, consumer products and transport. Running until 2013, the programme is open to all EU Member States, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. A budget of € 730 million is available to fund projects and put into place a range of European portals, facilities and initiatives. The new IEE call for project proposals is now open. In 2012, there will be € 67 million available for funding. Do not miss the opportunity to submit your ideas for projects in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, clean transport and local energy investments! The call closes on 8 May 2012 for all types of actions except the Build [...]

Important changes are expected in the global automotive industry in several areas that are likely to profoundly reshape the industry and its markets worldwide. The European Commission relaunched the CARS 21 High Level Group in 2010 in order to explore these changes and challenges as part of a ”European strategy on clean and energy-efficient vehicles”, adopted on 28th April 2010. The Group published on December 2nd 2011, the Interim report on the on “The Competitiveness and Sustainable Growth of the Automotive Industry in the European Union”. The report, which covers the group’s consensus on a number of selected topics discussed so far. Some may be further elaborated and further topics will be added in the rest of the CARS 21 process, leading to the adoption of the Final Report. The texts calls for  ”preparing the launch of a specific major initiative on breakthrough technologies (including, among others, electrification of combustion engines, hybrid and electric vehicles, fuel cells, electrical and electronic systems), taking into account the possible development of the European Innovation Partnerships on Smart Mobility and Smart cities and other relevant initiatives.” As part of the Commission’s modern industrial policy, the CARS 21 (Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st century) process, which was initially launched in 2005, aims to [...]

The Trans-European Energy Networks 2012 call for proposals is open with the deadline for submission 29/02/2012.  The Trans-European Transport Networks in the area of energy infrastructures The 2012 annual work programme for grants in the field of trans-European networks (TEN) – area of energy infrastructures (TEN-E) – will encourage the effective operation and development of the internal market, reinforce the security of supplies and the diversification of energy suppliers and routes, facilitate the development and reducing the isolation of less-favoured regions, contribute to sustainable development and protection of the environment, inter alia by involving renewable energies. The indicative EU budget allocation available for this programme is EUR 21,129.600 million Particular attention is given to projects of European interest that contribute to: (a) The development of the network to strengthen economic and social cohesion by reducing the isolation of the less-favoured and island regions of the Union; (b) The optimisation of the capacity of the network and the integration of the internal energy market, in particular concerning cross-border section; (c) The security of energy supply, diversification of sources of energy supplies and, in particular, interconnections with third countries; (d) The connection of renewable energy resources; and (e) The safety, reliability and interoperability [...]

High-level stakeholders will meet for the “Energy Roadmap 2050″, Milestones on the road to 2050, Designing next steps for a decarbonised, competitive and secure EU energy system. The purpose of the conference is to identify common ground and share new perspectives on: How to seize the geostrategic and growth opportunities of the transition to a low carbon energy system, while avoiding pitfalls on the way The concrete EU energy policies that should be developed to move towards 2030, specifically in the fields of energy efficiency, energy infrastructure, market design and investment incentives to promote specific energy technology paths, for example with a high share of renewables The immediate and next steps for the EU – including the assessment of potential benefits of milestones for energy in 2030 For more information on the Danish Presidency see: EU2012.dk, For the presidency’s agenda see: EU2012 priorities  

The Alpine Space Programme is the EU transnational cooperation programme for the Alps. Partners from the seven Alpine countries work together to promote regional development in a sustainable way. The Alpine Space Programme is the EU transnational cooperation programme for the Alps. Partners from the seven Alpine countries work together to promote regional development in a sustainable way. During the period 2007-2013, the programme is investing 130 Mio € in impact-oriented projects in which key actors develop shared solutions on specific Alpine issues as laid down in the programme objectives. While the call 3 projects just started their activities and call 1 are about to close, the programme opens it’s 4th and probably last call for proposal. Partnerships have until January 20th 2012 to submit the Expression of Interest (EoI) in one of the three priorities. EoIs can be submitted only from November 28th only, via the Alpine Space website. Check the event calendar for the dates of National Info Days in your country ! Meet your Alpine Contact Point (ACP) for first hand information and feedback on your project idea! More details are available on the programme website: www.alpine-space.eu