EU Energy Council June 2014

Below are extracts from Edward Davy, MP’s, statement on what is to be expected of the EU Energy Council meeting being held on 13 June 2014.

Renewable Energy Directive

‘Under the first item on the agenda the Greek Presidency will seek political agreement to the Proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive and the Directive relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels. The proposal is intended to address Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC), which occurs when production of biofuels from crops grown on existing agricultural land results in the displacement of production on the previously uncultivated land.

‘The UK welcomes the Greek efforts to find a compromise. The UK has always wanted strong, effective action on ILUC so that we support only the most sustainable biofuels. We have consistently argued for a 5% cap on the contribution from food based biofuels and the introduction of ILUC factors. In this respect, it is very regrettable that the cap on food crops in the Council proposal is as high as 7%. However, given the divergent views in the Council we can support the compromise packages as it stands. We consider that it represents the best compromise possible and is preferable to the status quo that would place no restriction on the expansion of food based fuels.’

March European Council

‘This will be followed by the main item on the agenda, a policy debate on the follow up to the March European Council. The debate will cover the three linked issues of European energy security, the internal energy market and the 2030 climate and energy framework. The debate will be structured around questions from the Greek Presidency, focusing on priorities for achieving energy security in Europe in the short and medium term and on securing adequate interconnections within the EU and with the EU’s neighbours. There will be an update by the Commission on progress towards the internal energy market. The debate will feed into preparations for the June European Council.’

The consumer

‘Inn the afternoon session…Ministers will adopt conclusions on energy prices, competitiveness and vulnerable consumers. The conclusions over the key policies and structures required to moderate energy prices, The UK is content with the conclusions, which reflect our position.’

Energy relations

‘The Commission and Presidency will then report on developments in external energy relations. This will be followed by a second debate on the value of multilateral energy frameworks. The Greek Presidency has provided questions to focus the discussion on considering how they can be improved and developed.

‘We expect the Commission to report on negotiations of the amended Nuclear Safety Directive. The UK supports the amendments as a proportionate and effective response to the need to learn the lessons from the accident at Fukushima and welcomes agreement of the amended Directive.’

Adapted for web by Claira Lloyd

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/13062014/eu_energy_council_meet_june_2014/