178 Amendments of Dan NICA related to 2023/0081(COD)
Amendment 104 #
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular its preamble and its Article 2(c)
Amendment 112 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) Any additional mobilisation of state aid should be targeted and temporary, and should be consistent with EU policy objectives such as the Green Deal and the Pillar of Social Rights. Projects of strategic common European interest should also be aligned with these goals, and should have genuine European added value. Such financing should have an equal positive impact in all Member State and shall not lead to aditional desparities among Member States in line with the EU's competition and cohesion policies.
Amendment 115 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Regarding external aspects, in particular regarding emerging markets and developing economies, the EU will seek win-win partnerships in the framework of its Global Gateway strategy, which contribute to the diversification of its raw materials supply chain, to the achievement of global climate objectives as well as to partner countries’ efforts to pursue twin transition and develop local value addition.
Amendment 125 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The higher energy prices after the unjustified and unlawful military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, gave a strong impetus to accelerate the implementation of the European Green Deal and reinforce the resilience of the Energy Union by speeding up the clean energy transition and ending any dependence on fossil fuels exported from the Russian Federation. The REPowerEU plan 35 plays a key role in responding to the hardships and global energy market disruption caused by the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. That plan aims to accelerate the energy transition in the European Union, in order to reduce the Union’s gas and electricity consumption and to boost investments in the deployment of energy efficient and low carbon solutions. That plan sets inter alia the targets to double solar photovoltaic capacity by 2025 and to install 600 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity by 2030; to double the rate of deployment of heat pumps; to produce 10 million tonnes of domestic renewable hydrogen by 2030; and to boost substantially increase production of biomethaneinable biomethane production to 35 bcm by 2030. The plan also sets out that achieving the REPowerEU goals will require diversifying the supply of low carbon energy equipment and of critical raw materials, reducing sectoral dependencies, overcoming supply chain bottlenecks and expanding the Union’s clean energy technology manufacturing capacity. As part of its efforts to increase the share of renewable energy in power generation, industry, buildings and transport, the Commission proposes to increase the target in the Renewable Energy Directive to 45% by 2030 and to increase the target in the Energy Efficiency Directive to 13%. This would bring the total renewable energy generation capacities to 1236 GW by 2030, in comparison to 1067 GW by 2030 envisaged under the 2021 proposal and will see increased needs for storage through batteries to deal with intermittency in the electricity grid. Similarly, policies related to the decarbonisation of the road sector, such as Regulation (EU) 2019/631 and Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 will be strong drivers for a further electrification of the road transport sector and thus increasing demand for batteries. _________________ 35 Communication of 18 May 2022 from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, REPowerEU Plan, COM/2022/230 final, 18.05.2022.
Amendment 134 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The net-zero transformation is already causing huge industrial, economic, and geopolitical shifts across the globe, which will become ever more pronounced as the world advances in its decarbonisation efforts. The road to net zero translates into strong opportunities for the expansion of Union’s net-zero industry, making use of the strength of the Single Market, by promoting investment in technologies in the field of renewable energy technologies , electricity and heat storage technologies, heat pumps, grid technologies, renewable fuels of non- biological origin technologies, electrolysers and fuel cells, fusion, fission reactors including small modular reactors and related best-in-class fuels, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies, and energy-system related energy efficiency technologies and their supply chains, allowing for the decarbonisation of our economic sectors, from energy supply to transport, buildings, and industry. A strong net zero industry within the European Union can help significantly in reaching the Union’s climate and energy targets effectively, as well as in supporting other Green Deal objectives, while creating jobs and growth.
Amendment 148 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The Union’s decarbonisation objectives, security of energy supply, digitalisation of the energy system and electrification of demand, for example in mobility and the need for fast recharging points, require an enormous expansion of electricity grids in the European Union, both at transmission level and at distribution level. At transmission level, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems are needed to connect offshore renewable energies; while at distribution level, connecting electricity providers and managing demand-side flexibility builds on investments in innovative grid technologies, such as electric vehicles smart charging (EVSC), energy efficiency building and industry automation and smart controls, advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) and home energy management systems (HEMS). The electricity grid needs to interact with many actors or devices based on a detailed level of observability, and hence availability of data, to enable flexibility, smart charging and smart buildings with smart electricity grids and small-scale flexibility services enabling demand -side response from consumers and the uptake of renewables. Connecting the net-zero technologies to the network of the European Union requires the substantial expansion of manufacturing capabilities for electricity grids in areas such as offshore and onshore cables, substations and transformers.
Amendment 164 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) To achieve the 2030 objectives a particular focus is needed on some of the net-zero technologies, also in view their significant contribution towards the path to net zero by 2050. These technologies include solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies, onshore and offshore renewable technologies, battery/storage technologies, heat pumps and geothermal energy technologies, especially innovative applications of geothermal heating and cooling for public, private and industrial use, electrolysers and fuel cells, sustainable biogas/biomethane, carbon capture and storage technologies and grid technologies. These technologies play a key role in the Union’s open strategic autonomy, ensuring that citizens have access to clean, affordable, secure energy. Given their role, these technologies should benefit from even faster permitting procedures, facilitated access to data required for design, spatial planning and cost optimization, including subsurface data, obtain the status of the highest national significance possible under national law and benefit from additional support to crowd-in investments.
Amendment 173 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) To achieve the 2050 decarbonization objectives, all clean technologies that do not emit CO2 must be taken into account. In this respect, nuclear power is an energy source whose contribution to these objectives is recognized and undeniable. Currently supplying 50% of the low-carbon electricity produced in the Union, it is the leading low-carbon energy source in the EU. It is a high-performance sector and a source of employment, representing 1 million jobs. It also contributes to the European strategic autonomy and resilience.
Amendment 183 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The development of carbon capture and storage solutions for industry is confronted with a coordination failure. On the one hand, despite the growing CO2 price incentive provided by the EU Emissions Trading System, for industry to invest into capturing CO2 emissions making such investments economically viable, they face a significant risk of not being able to access a permitted geological storage site. On the other hand, investors into first CO2 storage sites face upfront costs to identify develop and appraise them even before they can apply for a regulatory storage permit. Transparency about potential CO2 storage capacity in terms of the geological suitability of relevant areas and existing geological data, in particular from the exploration of hydrocarbon production sites, can support market operators to plan their investments. Member State should make such data publicly available and report regularly in a forward-looking perspective about progress in developing CO2 storage sites and the corresponding needs for injection and storage capacities above, in order to collectively reach the Union-wide target for CO2 injection capacity. The development and use of the CO2 injection and storage capacity must be subject to strict environmental standards, and ethical safeguards, in line with Directive 2009/31/EC, while extending them beyond the storage process and apply across the whole value chain, including capture, removal and transport, as well as the development of such infrastructure.
Amendment 206 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) By defining CO2 storage sites that contribute to the Union’s 2030 target as net-zero strategic projects, the development of CO2 storage sites can be accelerated and facilitated, and the increasing industrial demand for storage sites can be channelled towards the most- cost-effective storage sites. An increasing volume of depleting gas and oil fields that could be converted in safe CO2 storage sites are at the end of their useful production lifetime. In addition, the oil and gas industry has affirmed its determination to embark on an energy transition and possesses the assets, skills and knowledge needed to explore and develop additional storage sites. To reach the Union’s target of 50 million tonnes of annual operational CO2 injection capacity by 2030, the sector needs to pool its contributions to ensure that carbon capture and storage as a climate solution is available ahead of demand. In order to ensure a timely, Union-wide and cost- effective development of CO2 storage sites in line with the EU objective for injection capacity, licensees of oil and gas production in the EU should contribute to this target pro rata of their oil and gas manufacturing capacity, while providing flexibilities to cooperate and take into account other contributions of third parties.
Amendment 209 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) The Commission will ensure a continuous revision and extension of the CO2 injection capacity and storage target for the period post-2030 to reflect the needs of the Union to reach its 2040 climate target and climate neutrality by 2050 in synergy with other related EU legislation.
Amendment 213 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Union has helped build a global economic system based on open and rules-based trade, pushed for respecting and advancing social and environmental sustainability and climate transition standards, and is fully committed to those values.
Amendment 215 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) To address security of supply issues and contribute to supporting the resilience of Union’s energy system and decarbonisation and modernisation efforts, the net-zero technology manufacturing capacity in the Union needs to expand. Union manufacturers of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies need to increase their competitive edge and improve security of supply perspectives, by aiming to reach at least 30 gigawatt of operational solar PV manufacturing capacity by 2030 across the full PV value chain, in line with the goals set out in the European Solar Photovoltaic Industry Alliance, which is supported under the Union’s Solar Energy Strategy. 38 Union manufacturers of wind and heat pump technologies need to consolidate their competitive edge and maintain or expand their current market shares throughout this decade, in line with the Union’s technology deployment projections that meet its 2030 energy and climate targets. 39 This translates into a Union manufacturing capacity for wind of at least 36 GW and, respectively, for heat pumps of at least 31 GW in 2030. Union manufacturers of batteries and electrolysers need to consolidate their technology leadership and actively contribute to shaping these markets. For battery technologies this would mean contributing to the objectives of the European Battery Alliance and aim at almost 90% of the Union’s battery annual demand being met by the Union’s battery manufacturers, translating into a Union manufacturing capacity of at least 550 GWh in 2030. For EU electrolyser manufacturers, the REPowerEU plan projects 10 million tonnes of domestic renewable hydrogen production and a further up to 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen imports by 2030. To ensure EU’s technological leadership translates into commercial leadership, as supported under the Electrolyser Joint Declaration of the Commission and the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance, EU electrolyser manufacturers should further boost their capacity, such that the overall installed electrolyser capacity being deployed reaches at least 100 GW hydrogen by 2030. _________________ 38 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European EcTo improve EU’s strategic autonomicy and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: EU Solar Energy Strategy, SWD(2022) 148 final, 18.05.2022. 39 As perlessen its dependencies, the biomethane production should be scaled up in line with the REePowerEU objectives set out in the REPowerEU Plan, COM/2022/230 final, and accompanying Commission Staff Working Document Implementing the Repower EU Action Plan: Investment Needs, Hydrogen Accelerator and achieving the Bio-Methane Targets Accompanying the Document : Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions REPowerEU Plan, SWD/2022/230 final, 18.05.2022target to 35 bcm of by 2030. As a domestically available and stable energy source, it contributes to EU’s security of supply. The focus should be in sustainable production.
Amendment 226 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Considering these objectives together, while also taking into account that for certain elements of the supply chain (such as inverters, as well as solar cells, wafers, and ingots for solar PV or cathodes and anodes for batteries) the Union manufacturing capacity is low, the Union net-zero technologies annual capacity should aim at approaching or reaching an overall annual manufacturing benchmark of at least 40% of annual deployment needs by 2030 for the net-zero technologies listdefined in the Annex article 3.
Amendment 236 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to maintain competitiveness and reduce current strategic import dependencies in key net- zero technology products and their supply chains, while avoiding the formation of new ones, the Union needs to continue strengthening its net zero industrial base and become more competitive and innovation friendly. The Union needs to enable the development of manufacturing capacity faster, simpler and in a more predictable way, reducing administrative burden and levelling the playing field with international competitors.
Amendment 245 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In addition, the Communication on the Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net- Zero Age 42 sets out a comprehensive approach to support a clean energy technology scale up based on four pillars. The first pillar aims at creating a regulatory environment that simplifies and fast-tracks permitting for new net-zero technology manufacturing and assembly sites and facilitates the scaling up of the net-zero industry of the Union. The second pillar of the plan is to boost investment in and financing of net-zero technology production, through the revised Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework adopted in March 2023 and the creation of a European Sovereignty fund to preserve the European edge on critical and emerging technologies relevant to the green and digital transitions, in particular to provide resources for upstream research and innovation for strategic industrial projects to decarbonise hard to abate sectors in particular energy intensive industries supplying key raw materials and components for net zero technologies. The funding accessibility should be predictable, provided that clear predefined criteria are met, making both the development and implementation of new technologies and CCS, in combination with Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS), eligible for achieving net-zero at the installation level. The third pillar relates to developing the skills needed to make the transition happen and increase the number of skilled workers in the clean energy technology sector. The fourth pillar focuses on trade and the diversification of the supply chain of critical raw materials. That includes creating a critical raw materials club, working with like-minded partners to collectively strengthen supply chains and diversifying away from single suppliers for critical input. _________________ 42 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM/2023/62 final, 01.02.2023.
Amendment 257 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU already allow contracting authorities and entities awarding contracts through public procurement procedures to rely, in addition to price or cost, on additional criteria for identifying the most economically advantageous tender. Such criteria concern for instance the quality of the tender including social, environmental, governance and innovative characteristics. When awarding contracts for net-zero technology through public procurement, contracting authorities and contracting entities should duly assess the tenders’ contribution to sustainability and resilience in relation to a series of criteria relating to the tender’s environmental sustainability, compliance with human rights laws, EU governance rules and reporting obligations, innovation, system integration and to resilience.
Amendment 259 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) (26) Social sustainability criteria can already be applied under existing legislation and can include working conditions and collective bargaining in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights in line with Articles, 30 (3) of Directive 2014/23/EU, 18 (2) of Directive 2014/24/EU and 36 (2) of Directive 2014/25/EU. Contracting authorities should contribute to social sustainability by taking the appropriate measures to ensure that in the performance of public contracts economic operators comply with applicable obligations in the fields of social and labour law established by Union law, national law, collective agreements or by the international environmental, social and labour law provisions listed in Annex X of Directive 2014/23/EU, Annex X of Directive 2014/24/EU and Annex XIV of Directive 2014/25/EU43 . Public procurement contracts must include social clauses and where relevant apprenticeship clauses. _________________ 43 Commission Notice "Buying Social - a guide to taking account of social considerations in public procurement (2nd edition)", C(2021) 3573 final.
Amendment 263 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27 a (new)
Recital 27 a (new)
(27a) In hard-to-abate sectors, including energy-intensive industries, the number of commercially available and scalable net zero technologies is currently limited. For those net zero technologies already in use or in the early stages of development, major reductions in cost and improvements in performance will be needed. Therefore, investments in research and innovation both at Union and national level continue to be important. Together with joint and coordinated efforts across the Member States notably through the Strategic Energy Technology Plan, research and innovation activities increase the resilience of the Union’s clean energy sector. Moreover, net zero technologies that are at demonstration or prototype stage today also make significant contributions in the long term to the achievement of net-zero industries in the Union and should be supported through the net zero industry act Financial support should be provided irrespective of the number of technologies implemented over time, as long as the costs associated with implementing these technologies remain additional and cannot be fully transferred to customers. Half of the greenhouse gas emissions reductions expected by 2050 will require technologies that are not yet ready for the market, so research and innovation activities are a crucial component to increase the EU’s technological sovereignty and global competitiveness.
Amendment 284 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) When designing schemes benefitting households or consumers which incentivise the purchase of net-zero technology final products listed in the AnnexArticle 3 of this Regulation, Member States, regional or local authorities, bodies governed by public law or associations formed by one or more such authorities or one or more such bodies governed by public law, should ensure the respect of the Union’s international commitments, including by ensuring that schemes do not reach a magnitude that causes serious prejudice to the interest of WTO members.
Amendment 293 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) As indicated in the Communication on the Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, published on 1 February 2023, the Union’s industry’s market shares are under strong pressure, due to subsidies in third countries which undermine a level playing field. This translates in a need for a rapid and ambitious reaction from the Union in modernising its legal framework and promoting European standards for key net zero technologies.
Amendment 295 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) Access to finance is key for ensuring the Union’s open strategic autonomy and for establishing a solid manufacturing base for net-zero technologies and their supply chains across the Union. The majority of investments necessary to reach the Green Deal objectives will come from private capital53 attracted by the growth potential of the net- zero ecosystem. Well-functioning, deep and integrated capital markets will therefore be essential to raise and channel the funds needed for the green transition and net-zero manufacturing projects. Swift progress towards the Capital Markets Union is thus necessary for the EU to deliver on its net-zero objectives. The sustainable finance agenda (and blended finance) also plays a crucial role in scaling up investments into the net-zero technologies, while guaranteeing the competitiveness of the sector by giving investors and investee companies more harmonised information on what investments qualify as sustainable under the Taxonomy Regulation and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, and by requiring financial institutions to exercise due diligence over their value chain. _________________ 53 Commission Staff Working Document Identifying Europe's recovery needs Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Europe's moment: Repair and Prepare for the Next Generation, SWD(2020) 98 final, Identifying Europe's recovery needs, 27.05.2020.
Amendment 298 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) Where private investment alone is not sufficient, the effective roll-out of net- zero manufacturing projects may require public support in the form of State aid. Such aid must have an incentive effect and be necessary, appropriate and proportionate. The existing State aid guidelines that have recently undergone an in-depth revision in line with the twin transition objectives provide ample possibilities to support investments for projects in the scope of this Regulation subject to certaiAppropriate conditions are required to verify the concrete risks of diversion of the investment outside the European Econditions. Member States can have an important role in easing access to finance for net-zero technologies manufacturing projects by addressing market failures through targeted State aid support. The Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF) adopted on 9 March 2023 aims at ensuring a level playing field within the internal market, targeted to those sectors where a third-country delocalisation risk has been identified, and proportionate in terms of aid amounts. It would enable Member States to put in place measures to support new investments in production facilities in defined, strategic net-zero sectors, including via tax benefits. The permitted aid amount can be modulated with highomic Area (EEA) and that there is no risk of relocation within the EEA. To mobilise national resources for that purpose, Member States may use a share of the ETS revenues that Member States have to allocate for climate-related purposes as well as national and EU funds, unused amounts from the Recovery aind intenResitlies and aid amount ceilings if the investment is located in assisted areas, in order to contribute to the goal of convergence between Member States and regions. Appropriate conditions are required to verify the concrete risks of diversion of the investment outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and that there is no risk of relocation within the EEA. To mobilise national resources for that purpose, Member States may use a share of the ETS revenues that Member States have to allocate for climate-related purposes.nce Facility, dedicated support from the EU Innovation Fund, dedicated financing schemes from the European Investment Bank, as well as dedicated state guarantees to private capital for strategic industrial investments
Amendment 307 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) Several Union funding programmes, such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility, InvestEU, cohesion policy programmes or the Innovation Fund with the specific role of the European Hydrogen Bank acting as a one-stop-shop for EU funding supporting the entire renewable hydrogen value chain, are also available to fund investments in net-zero technology manufacturing projects.
Amendment 316 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) Member States can provide support from cohesion policy programmes in line with applicable rules under Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council57 to encourage the take up of net-zero strategic projectsprojects in all regions, especially in less developed andregions, transition regions and Just Transition Funds territories, through investment packages of infrastructure, productive investment in innovation, manufacturing capacity in SMEs, services, training and upskilling measure, including support to capacity building of the public authorities and promoters. The applicable co-financing rates set in programmes may be up to 85% for less developed regions and, up to 60% or 70% for transition regions and 40% to 50% for more developed regions, depending on the fund concerned and the status of the region but Member States may exceed these ceilings at the level of the project concerned, where feasible under State aid rules. The Technical Support Instrument can help Member States and regions in preparing net-zero growth strategies, improve the business environment, reducing red tape and accelerating permitting. Member States should be encouraged to promote the sustainability of net-zero strategic projects by embedding these investments in European value chains, building notably on interregional and cross border cooperation networks. _________________ 57 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159).
Amendment 320 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) Member States can provide support from cohesion policy programmes in line with applicable rules under Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council57 to encourage the take up of net-zero strategic projects in less developed and transition regions through investment packages of infrastructure, productive investment in innovation, manufacturing capacity in SMEs, services, training and upskilling measure, including support to capacity building of the public authorities and promoters. The applicable co-financing rates set in programmes may be up to 85% for less developed regions and up to 60% or 70% for transition regions depending on the fund concerned and the status of the region but Member States may exceed these ceilings at the level of the project concerned, where feasible under State aid rules. The Technical Support Instrument can help Member States and regions in preparing net-zero growth strategies, improve the business environment, reducing red tape and accelerating permitting. Member States should be encouraged to promote the sustainability of net-zero strategic projects by embedding these investments in European value chains, building notably on interregional and cross border cooperation networks. _________________ 57 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159).
Amendment 322 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) The Innovation Fund also provides a very promising and cost efficient avenue to support the scaling up of manufacturing and deployment of renewable hydrogen and other strategic net zero technologies in Europe, thus reinforcing Europe’s sovereignty in key technologies for climate action and energy security. In the case of renewable hydrogen, the European Hydrogen Bank should support the production of renewable hydrogen and act as the main entity coordinating financial support for the manufacturing of fuel cells and electrolysers.
Amendment 330 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) A European Sovereignty Fund wshould provide a structural answer to the investment needs. It will help preserving a European edge on critical and emerging technologies relevant to the green and digital transitions, including strategic net- zero technologies. This structural instrument will build on experience of coordinated multi-country projects under the IPCEIs and seek to enhance all Member States’ access to such projects, thereby safeguarding cohesion and the Single Market against risks caused by unequal availability of State Aids. seek to safeguard cohesion and the Single Market against risks caused by unequal availability of State Aids. The European Sovereignty Fund should be based on additional funding under the mid-term review of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework. In addition, the Commission should explore the development of a new bond issuance program at EU level. The European Sovereignty Fund shall offer a toolbox of financial instruments (loans, guarantees, equity, etc) to support capital and operational expenditures of clean technology manufacturing in the EU in order to overcome barriers to production scale-up.
Amendment 339 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) To overcome the limitations of the current fragmented public and private investments efforts, facilitate integration and return on investment, the Commission, and Member States should better coordinate and create synergies between the existing funding programmes at Union and national level as well as ensure better coordination and collaboration with industry and key private sector stakeholders. The Net-Zero Europe Platform has a key role to play to build a comprehensive view of available and relevant funding opportunities and to discuss the individual financing needs of net-zero strategic projects.
Amendment 340 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48 a (new)
Recital 48 a (new)
(48a) To provide long-term financing to the Green Industrial Plan and support the achievement of the goals and objectives set in this Act, the Commission should explore the possibility to set up a large climate investment plan at EU level with a broadened scope. Building on this act, the future climate investment plan should support on the implementation of the European Green Deal and cover other areas and sectors such as buildings insulation, charging infrastructure, electricity grids and support to demand- side measures and households.
Amendment 345 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 49
Recital 49
(49) In order for net-zero technology manufacturing projects to be deployed or expanded as quickly as possible to ensure the Union’s security of supply for net-zero technologies, it is important to create planning and investment certainty by keeping the administrative burden on project promoters to a minimum. For that reason, permit-granting processes of the Member States for net zero technology manufacturing projects should be streamlined, whilst at the same time ensuring that such projects are safe, secure, environmentally performant, and comply with environmental, social and safety requirements. Union environmental legislation sets common conditions for the process and content of national permit- granting processes, thereby ensuring a high level of environmental protection. Being granted the status of Net-Zero Strategic Project should be without prejudice to any applicable permitting conditions for the relevant projects, including those set out in Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council58 , Council Directive 92/43/EEC59 , Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council60 , Directive 2004/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council61 , and Directive (EU) 2010/75 of the European Parliament and of the Council62 . _________________ 58 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1). 59 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7). 60 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1). 61 Directive 2004/35/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage (OJ L 143, 30.4.2004, p. 56). 62 Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) (recast) (OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 17).
Amendment 348 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 50
Recital 50
(50) At the same time, the unpredictability, complexity and at times, excessive length of national permit- granting processes undermines the investment security needed for the effective development of net-zero technologies manufacturing projects. Therefore, in order to ensure and speed up their effective implementation, Member States should apply streamlined and predictable permitting procedures. In addition, Net-Zero Strategic Projects should be given priority status at national level to ensure rapid administrative treatment and urgent treatment in all judicial and dispute resolution procedures relating to them, without preventing competent authorities to streamline permitting for other net-zero technologies manufacturing projects that are not Net- Zero Strategic Projects or more generally. In order to ensure that net-zero manufacturing projects and Net-Zero Projects can be treated with priority, Member States shall ensure that the competent authorities are adequately equipped and staffed.
Amendment 356 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 51
Recital 51
(51) Given their role in ensuring the Union’s security of supply for net-zero technologies, and their contribution to the Union’s open strategic autonomy and the green and digital transition, responsible permitting authorities should consider Net- Zero Strategic Projects to be in the public interest. Based on its case-by-case assessment, a responsible permitting authority may conclude that the public interest served by the project overrides the public interests related to nature and environmental protection and that consequently the project may be authorised, provided that all relevant conditions set out in Directive 2000/60/EC, Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC63 are met. _________________ 63 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7–25).
Amendment 366 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 53
Recital 53
(53) In order to ensure clarity about the permitting status of Net-Zero Strategic Projects and to limit the effectiveness of potential abusive litigation, while not undermining effective judicial review, Member States should ensure that any dispute concerning permit granting process is resolved in a timely manner. To that end, national competent authorities should ensure that applicants and project promoters have access to a simple dispute settlement procedure and that Net-Zero Strategic Projects are granted urgent treatment in all judicial and dispute resolution procedures relating to them while ensuring respect for the rights of defence.
Amendment 371 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 55
Recital 55
(55) Net-zero technology manufacturing projects undergo lengthy and complex permitting procedures of 2-7 years, depending on the Member State, technology and value chain segment. Considering the size of required investments – in particular for gigafactory- size projects which are needed to reach the expected economies of scale – inadequate permitting creates an additional and often detrimental barrier to increase net-zero technology manufacturing capacity in the Union. In order to provide project promoters and other investors with the security and clarity needed to increase development of net-zero technologies manufacturing projects, Member States should ensure that the permit-granting process related to such projects does not exceed pre-set time limits. For Net Zero Strategic Projects the length of the permit- granting process should not exceed twelve months for facilities with a yearly production output of more than 1 GW, and 9 months for those with a yearly production output of less than 1 GW. For all other net-zero technology manufacturing projects, the length of the permit-granting process should not exceed eighteen months for facilities with a yearly production output of more than 1 GW, and twelve months for those with a yearly production output of less than 1 GW. For net-zero technologies for which the GW metric is not relevant, such as grids and carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon capture and usage (CCU) technologies, the upper limits of the aforementioned deadlines should apply. For the expansion of existing production lines, each of the aforementioned time limits should be halved.
Amendment 376 #
(56) In addition, given the importance of Net Zero Strategic Projects for the Union’s energy supply certain administrative restrictions should be partly lifted or simplified to speed up their implementation.
Amendment 378 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 58 a (new)
Recital 58 a (new)
Amendment 389 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 64
Recital 64
(64) The scaling up of European net- zero technology industries requires significant additional skilled workers which implies important investment needs in re-skilling and upskilling, including in the field of vocational education and training. The creation of quality jobs should cover a wide range of sectors including both skilled and unskilled workers and as such contribute to a qualification of the entire workforce not leaving anyone behind. This should contribute to the creation of quality jobs in line with the targets for employment and training of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The energy transition will require a significant increase in the number of skilled workers in a range of sectors, including renewable energy and energy storage, and has a great potential for quality job creation. The skill needs for the fuel cell hydrogen sub-sector in manufacturing alone are estimated at 180.000 trained workers, technicians and engineers by the year 2030, according to the Commission’s European Strategic Energy Technology Plan65 . In the photo- voltaic solar energy sector, up to 66.000 jobs would be needed in manufacturing alone. The European network of employment services (EURES) is providing information, advice and recruitment or placement for the benefit of workers and employers, including across internal market borders. _________________ 65 European Commission, Directorate- General for Research and Innovation, Joint Research Centre, The strategic energy technology (SET) plan, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/04888.
Amendment 393 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 65
Recital 65
(65) Since strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key net-zero technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce, it is necessary to introduce measures to boost the activation of more people to the labour market, notably women and young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), including via skills first approaches as a complement to qualifications-based recruitment. In addition, in line with the objectives of the Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate-neutrality, specific support for job-to-job transition for workers in redundant and declining sectors are important. This means investing in skills and in quality job creation required for net-zero technologies in the Union. Building on and fully taking into account existing initiatives such as the EU Pact for Skills, EU level activities on skills intelligence and forecasting, such as by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) and the European Labour Authority, and the Blueprints for sectoral cooperation on skills, the objective is to mobilise all actors: Member States authorities, including at regional and local levels, education and training providers, social partners and industry, in particular SMEs, to identify skills needs, develop education and training programmes and deploy these at large scale in a fast and operational manner. Net-zero strategic projects have a key role to play in this regard. Member States and the Commission may ensure financial support including by leveraging the possibilities of the Union budget through instruments such as the European Social Fund Plus, Just Transition Fund, European Regional Development Funds, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Modernisation Fund, REPowerEU and the Single Market Programme.
Amendment 399 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 69
Recital 69
(69) At Union level, a Net-Zero Europe Platform, should be established, composed of the Member States and chaired by the Commission. The Net-Zero Europe Platform may advise and assist the Commission and Member States on specific questions and provide a reference body, in which the Commission and Member States coordinate their action and facilitate the exchange of information on issues relating to this Regulation. The Net- Zero Europe Platform should further perform the tasks outlined in the different Articles of this Regulation, notably in relation to permitting, including one-stop shops, Net-Zero Strategic Projects, coordination of financing, access to markets and skills as well as regulatory sandboxes for innovative net-zero technologies regulatory sandboxand other innovative technologies. Where necessary, the Platform may establish standing or temporary subgroups and invite third parties, such as experts or representatives from net-zero industries.
Amendment 413 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. 1. This Regulation establishes the framework of measures for innovating and scaling up the manufacturing capacity of net-zero technologies and promoting their use in their upstream and downstream value chains, as well as the roll-out of existing and new applications and infrastructures in the Union to support the Union’s 2030 target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % relative to 1990 levels and the Union’s 2050 climate neutrality target, as defined by Regulation (EU) 2021/1119, and to strengthen the international competitiveness of those technologies and the relevant value chains and to ensure the Union’s access to a secure and sustainable supply of net-zero technologies, needed to safeguard the resilience of the Union’s energy system and to contribute to the creation of quality jobs.
Amendment 426 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
a) that by 2030, manufacturing capacity in the Union of the strategic net- zero technologies listed in the AnnexArticle 3 of this Regulation and their components as well as machinery required for their manufacture and entire supply chain approaches or reaches a benchmark of at least 40% of the Union’s annual deployment needs for the corresponding technologies necessary to achieve the Union’s 2030 climate and energy targets;
Amendment 447 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Amendment 451 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
bb) The creation of quality jobs.
Amendment 452 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b c (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b c (new)
bc) international competitiveness of the range of of net-zero technologies and related value chains and activities contributing to them;
Amendment 454 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
3. Where, based on the report referred to in Article 35, the Commission concludes that the Union is likely not to achieve the objectives set out in paragraph 1, it shall assess the feasibility and proportionality of proposing measures or exercising its powers at Union level in order to ensure the achievement of those objectives. In particular, the Commission shall assess the possibility of establishing more granular targets for key technologies and components in order to ensure the achievement of those objectives, including by means of a Delegated Act.
Amendment 458 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Where, based on the report referred to in Article 35, the Commission concludes that the Union is likely not to achieve the benchmarks set out in paragraph 1, the Net Zero Europe Platform shall propose recommendations to the Commission with the aim of ensuring the achievement of the objectives.
Amendment 464 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
This Regulation applies to net-zero technologies, along their supply chains, going from processed materials, and components to net zero technologies except for Articles 26 and 27 of this Regulation, which apply to innovative net- zero technologies. and other innovative technologies with potential to enable the transition to a climate neutral, clean economy and reduce strategic dependencies. Within six months after the adoption of this regulation, upon consultation of relevant stakeholders, the European Commission shall adopt an implementing act identifying key components for the manufacture of net zero technologies Raw materials processed materials or components falling under the scope of Regulation (EU) …/… [add footnote with publication references of the Critical Raw Materials Regulation] shall be excluded from the scope of this Regulation.
Amendment 481 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ‘net-zero technologies’ means renewable energy technologies66 ; such as wind, solar (solar thermal and solar photovoltaic) and geothermal energy; electricity and heat storage technologies; heat pumps; grid technologies; renewable fuels of non-biological origin technologies; sustainable alternative fuels technologies67 ; electrolysers and fuel cell; biogas and biomethane technologies; electrolysers and fuel cells, hydrogen refuelling stations, filling centres and liquefiers; advanced technologies to produce energy from nuclear processes with minimal waste from the fuel cycle, small modular reactors, and related best-in- class fuels; carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies; and energy-system related energy efficiency technologies and circular economy technologies including recycling technologies with associated CO2 transport infrastructure and grid technologies . They refer to the final products, specific components and specific machinery primarily used for the production of those products along the entire value chain. They shall have reached a technology readiness level of at least 8. _________________ 66 ‘renewable energy' means ‘renewable energy’ as defined in DirectivThe technologies where the (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources 67 ‘sustainable alternative fuels’ means fuels covered by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport, COM/2021/561 final and by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and Council on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport COM/2021/562 final has a clear competitive advantage and could support the full value supply chain independently should be prioritised.
Amendment 520 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) ‘component’ means a small part of a net-zero technology that is manufactured and traded by a company starting from processed materials; or a direct industrial upstream process that belongs to the value chain of the net zero technology.
Amendment 530 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ‘innovative net-zero technologies’ means technologies which satisfy the definition of ‘net-zero technologies’, except that they have not reached a technology readiness level of at least 8, and that comprise genuine innovation which helps achieve the objectives of this Regulation through improved energy or resource efficiency, sustainability, circularity or reduced carbon impact, and which are not currently available on the market and are advanced enough to be tested in a controlled environment.
Amendment 535 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) 'other innovative technologies’ means technologies with potential to enable the transition to a climate neutral, clean economy and reduce strategic dependencies, which comprise genuine innovation not currently available on the European market and which are advanced enough to be tested in a controlled environment.
Amendment 550 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) ‘net-zero technology manufacturing and deployment project’ means a planned industrial facility or extension or repurposing of an existing facility manufacturing net-zero technologies; or value chains making use of the net zero technologies
Amendment 555 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) ‘net-zero technology end-use project’ means a planned facility or extension or repurposing of an existing facility utilising one or more net-zero technologies to supply more than 60% of the energy needs of the an industrial, SME, district or, where relevant, a domestic user;
Amendment 560 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) ‘net-zero strategic project’ means a net-zero technology manufacturing project or a net- zero technology end-use project located in the Union that complies with the criteria set out in Article 10;
Amendment 563 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) ‘permit granting process’ means a process covering all relevant administrative permits to plan, build, expand and operate net-zero technology manufacturing projects, net-zero technology end-use projects, or other stages of the downstream value chain related to the net-zero technology uptake, including building, chemical and grid connection permits and environmental assessments and authorisations where these are required, and encompassing all administrative applications and procedures from the acknowledgment of the validity of the application toreceipt of the project application to the national competent authority until the notification of the comprehensive decision on the outcome of the procedure by the responsible national competent authority; or the relevant grid operator;;
Amendment 569 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) ‘project promoter’ means any undertaking or consortium of undertakings developing a net-zero technology manufacturing project or a net-zero strategic project;
Amendment 573 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) ‘net-zero regulatory sandbox’ means a scheme that enables undertakings to test innovative net-zero technologies and other innovative technologies in a controlled real-world environment, under a specific plan, developed and monitored by a competent authority.
Amendment 582 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point q
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point q
(q) ‘CO2 injection capacity’ means the annual amount of CO2 that can be injected in an operational geological storage site, including saline aquifers, permitted under Directive 2009/31/EC, provided with the means of capturing and transporting CO2 to the site, and with the purpose to reduce emissions or increase carbon removals, in particular from large scale industrial installations and which is measured in tonnes per annum;
Amendment 592 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
(sa) 'quality jobs' means a work providing good wages, ensuring work security via standard employment contract and access to social protection, giving access to good quality lifelong learning opportunities, securing good working conditions in safe and healthy workplaces, including a reasonable working time with good work-life balance, while ensuring trade union representation and bargaining rights.
Amendment 596 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s b (new)
(sb) 'hydrogen compressors' means a technology for compressed hydrogen transport via pipelines as well as for hydrogen liquefaction facilities
Amendment 597 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s c (new)
(sc) New ‘net-zero technology integration project’ means a project building a new industrial facility or a project making changes to an existing industrial facility, that requires the retrofitting of existing production units or/and the integration of new process technologies to use, or increase the use of, net-zero technology final products, which leads to a reduction or avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions from the industrial facility;
Amendment 598 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s d (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s d (new)
(sd) “value chain” means activities related to the production of goods or the provision of services by a company, including the development of the product or the service and the use and disposal of the product as well as the related activities of upstream and downstream established business relationships of the company.
Amendment 599 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. ‘‘renewable fuels of non-biological origin technologies” (RFNBO) means the technological equipment central to the deployment of RFNBOs across the value chain, including hydrogen compressors, hydrogen refuelling stations and hydrogen storage tanks;
Amendment 601 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. 'Net-zero enabling technologies means the following list of technologies: 1. Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies 2. Onshore wind and offshore renewable technologies 3. Battery/storage technologies 4. Heat pumps and geothermal energy technologies 5. Electrolysers and fuel cells 6. Suitable alternative fuels biogas/biomethane technologies 7. Carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies 8. Grid technologies The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 33 to amend this list in order to take into account technical and scientific progress, the competitiveness of the European businesses at global level or to take into account changes to the Union legislation, or the adoption of additional Union legislation or international instruments relevant for the fulfilment of this provision.
Amendment 602 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. By …[3 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], Member States shall designate one national competent authority or one authority per competent region which shall be responsible for facilitating and coordinating the permit-granting process for net-zero technology manufacturing projects, and relevant net-zero technology end-use projects, and integration projects including for net-zero strategic projects, and to provide advice on reducing administrative burden in line with Article 5.
Amendment 613 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. The national or regional competent authority referred to in paragraph 1 shall be the sole point of contact for the project promoter in the permit-granting process leading to a comprehensive decision for a given project and shall coordinate the submission of all relevant documents and information. The European Commission and the InvestEU Advisory Hub shall provide technical and financial support to the national competent authorities and Member States to carry out the permit- granting process.
Amendment 633 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5
Article 4 – paragraph 5
5. The national or regional competent authority shall take into consideration any valid studies conducted, and permits or authorisations issued, for a given project before the project entered the permit- granting process in accordance with this Article and shall not require duplicate studies and permits or authorisations, unless otherwise required under Union law.
Amendment 641 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
6. The national or regional competent authority shall ensure that applicants have easy access to information on and simple procedures for the settlement of disputes concerning the permit-granting process and the issuance of permits to construct or expand projects, including, where applicable, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Amendment 654 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 8 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 655 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 8 b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. The European Commission and the InvestEU Advisory Hub shall provide technical and financial support to the national competent authorities and Member States to carry out the permit- granting process.
Amendment 656 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 8 c (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Member States shall consider increasing direct support to the national competent authority under national Recovery and Resilience Plans.
Amendment 657 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 8 d (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. The national competent authority shall specify and make available the detailed requirements and extent of information requested of a project developer before the permit-granting process commences. It shall also specify the maximum time required to come to a final decision.
Amendment 663 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Member States shall provide the following information on administrative processes relevant to net-zero technology manufacturing projects, including net zero strategic projects, online and in a centralised and easily accessible manner:
Amendment 722 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. The duration of the permit- granting process shall not include the time for the administrative stages necessary for significant upgrades and expansions of the grid required to ensuring grid stability, grid reliability, and grid safety.
Amendment 732 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. The timeframes for consulting the public concerned on the environmental report referred to in Article 5(1) of Directive 2011/92/EU shall not be longer than 45 days. In cases falling under the second sub-paragraph of Article 6(4), this period shall be extended to 9 a project is recognised as net- zero project in the meaning of Art. 3(1) and Art. 11, the timeframes for consulting the public concerned on the environmental report referred to in Article 5(1) of Directive 2011/92/EU shall not be longer than 30 days.
Amendment 736 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The Member States shall ensure that their national competent authorities and other authorities pursuant to Article 6(1) of Directive 2011/92/EU are adequately equipped to fulfil its obligations under this Article.
Amendment 740 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. When preparing plans, including zoning, spatial plans and land use plans, national, regional and local authorities shall, where appropriate, include in those plans provisions for the development of net- zero technology manufacturing projects, including net-zero strategic projectsprojects and all the necessary infrastructure. Priority shall be given to artificial and built surfaces, with access to existing infrastructure, such as electricity grids and district heating networks, industrial sites, brownfield sites, and, where appropriate, greenfield sites not usable for agriculture and forestry.
Amendment 757 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. Where plans include provisions for the development of net-zero technology manufacturing projects, including net-zero strategic projects, are subject to an assessment pursuant to Directive 2001/42/EC and pursuant to Article 6 of Directive 92/43/EEC, those assessments shall be combined. Where relevant, that combined assessment shall also address the impact on potentially affected water bodies and verify whether the plan potentially prevent a water body from achieving good status or good potential or cause deterioration of status or of potential referred to in Article 4 of Directive 2000/60/EC or would potentially hamper that a water body achieves good status or good potential. Where relevant Member States are required to assess the impacts of existing and future activities on the marine environment, including land-sea interactions, as referred to in Article 4 of Directive 2014/89/EU, these impacts shall also be covered by the combined assessment.
Amendment 766 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 b (new)
Article 9 b (new)
Amendment 770 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – title
Article 10 – title
10 Selection criteriaCriteria for recognition of Net- Zero Projects
Amendment 772 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall recognise as net-zero strategic projects net-zero technology manufacturing projects corresponding to a technology listed in the Annex on Assessment of the recognition criteria for Strategic Projects, and located in the Union that contributes to the realisation of the objectives set out in Article 1 of this Regulation and meet at least one of, fulfilling the criteria listed in Annex on Assessment of the recognition criteria for Strategic Projects , of this Regulation under the condition that the project promoter complies with applicable obligations in the fields of social and labour law established by international, EU or national law and his obligations under Articles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 15 of Directive 2022/0051(COD) and Article 19a of Directive (EU) 2022/2464, and meet the following criteria:
Amendment 785 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) it adds significant manufacturing capacity in the Union for net-zero technologies or related components along their supply chain and fosters the ability to compete in increasingly global markets, both at home and abroad, and to build competitive advantage for the EU in key sectors;
Amendment 790 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
(ii) it manufactures technologies with improved sustainability and performance, taking utmost account of cost-efficient energy efficiency technologies in line with the “energy efficiency first principle”;;
Amendment 793 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) it puts into place measures to attract, upskill or reskill a workforce required for net-zero technologies, including through apprenticeships, in close cooperation withtraineeships, continuing or post graduate academic education in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and social partners;
Amendment 797 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iiia) it is implemented sustainably, in particular as regards the monitoring, prevention and minimisation of environmental impacts, the use of socially responsible practices including respect of human and labour rights, and meaningful engagement with local communities and the use of transparent business practices with adequate compliance policies to prevent and minimise risks of adverse impacts on the proper functioning of public administration, including corruption and bribery;
Amendment 801 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
(iv) it adopts comprehensive low- carbon , sustainable, resource-efficient, and circular manufacturing practices, including waste heat recovery.
Amendment 809 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
(iva) it contributes to increasing the competitiveness of SMEs
Amendment 812 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv b (new)
(ivb) it is implemented sustainably, in particular as regards the monitoring, prevention and minimisation of environmental impacts, the use of socially responsible practices including respect of human and labour rights, and meaningful engagement with local communities and the use of transparent business practices with adequate compliance policies to prevent and minimise risks of adverse impacts on the proper functioning of public administration, including corruption and bribery
Amendment 826 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States shall recognise as net-zero strategic projectsprojects CO2 capture projects, and CO2 infrastructure projects necessary for the transport of captured CO2 to CO2 storage sites, and CO2 storage projects that meet the following cumulative criteria:
Amendment 830 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the CO2 storage site is located in the territory of the Union, its exclusive economic zones or on its continental shelf within the meaning of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); and the CO2 storage project contributes to reaching the objective set out in Article 18;
Amendment 835 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the CO2 storage project contributes to reaching the objective set out in Article 18and infrastructure project has applied for a permit for the safe and permanent geological storage of CO2 in accordance with Directive 2009/31/EC;
Amendment 839 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the CO2 storagcapture project has applied for a permit fand the CO2 infrastructure projects necessary to transport the safe and permanent geological storage of CO2 in accordance with Directive 2009/31/ECcaptured CO2 to CO2 storage sites meet the conditions set out in Article 18 (6)(a).
Amendment 844 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) for CO2 carbon capture and transport projects, the projects aims to capture, transport and store the CO2 in a CO2 storage project identified in points (a), (b) and (c)
Amendment 850 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. Net-zero technology manufacturing projects corresponding to a technology listed in the AnnexArticle 3 of this Regulation located in ‘less developed and transition regions’ and Just Transition Fund Territories and eligible for funding under cohesion policy rules, shall be recognised by Member States as net- zero strategic projects under Article 11(3) upon request of the project promoter without the project promoter having to submit a formal application under Article 11(2).
Amendment 855 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4
Article 10 – paragraph 4
4. A net-zero technology manufacturing project located in the Union that contributes to the realisation of the objectives set out in Article 1(1) and that either benefits from the ETS Innovation Fund, or is part of Important Projects of Common European Interest, European Hydrogen Valleys, or of the Hydrogen Bank, when the funds support investment in manufacturing capacities corresponding to a technology listed in the AnnexArticle 3 of this Regulation , shall be recognised by Member States as net- zero strategic project under Article 11(3) upon request of the project promoter without the project promoter having to submit a formal application under Article 11(2).
Amendment 857 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The fulfilment of the recognition criteria set out in paragraph 1 shall be assessed by the Commission in accordance with the elements and evidence set out in Annex on Assessment of the recognition criteria for Projects. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 33 to amend the definition of net-zero and strategic net-zero technologies as set in Art. 3 in order to adapt the elements and evidence to be taken into account when assessing the fulfilment of the recognition criteria set out in paragraph 1 to technical and scientific progress or to take into account changes to the Union legislation, or the adoption of additional Union legislation or international instruments relevant for the fulfilment of this provision.
Amendment 860 #
4b. The recognition of a project as a Strategic shall not affect the requirements applicable to the relevant project or project promoter under international, Union or national law.
Amendment 865 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. Applications for recognition of net- zero technology projects as net-zero strategic projects shall be submitted by the project promoter to the relevant Member State.
Amendment 867 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) a business plan evaluating the financial viability of the project consistent with the objective of creating quality jobs. This business plan shall contain an agreement between the company and workers’ representatives, in accordance with national law and practice, to provide adequate re-skilling for the employees concerned. The wage level agreed upon in this business plan should reflect the prevailing pay level in the industry.
Amendment 881 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 6
Article 11 – paragraph 6
6. Where the Commission or a Member State finds that a net-zero strategic project has undergone substantial changes or that it no longer fulfils the criteria set out in Article 10(1) or 10(3), or where its recognition was based on an application containing incorrect information, it shall inform the project promoter concerned. After hearing the project promoter, the Member State may repeal the decision granting a project the status of net-zero strategic project.
Amendment 883 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 7
Article 11 – paragraph 7
7. Projects which are no longer recognised as net-zero strategic project shall lose all rights connected to that status under this Regulation.
Amendment 885 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 8
Article 11 – paragraph 8
8. The Commission shall set up and maintain an openly available registry of net-zero strategic projects.
Amendment 888 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – title
Article 12 – title
Priority status of net-zero strategic projects
Amendment 891 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. Project promoters and all authorities that, under national law, are competent to issue various permits and authorisations related to the planning, design and construction of immovable assets, including energy infrastructure, shall ensure that for net-zero strategic projects those processes are treated in the most rapid way possible in accordance with Union and national law.
Amendment 894 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. Without prejudice to obligations provided for in Union law, Member States shall grant net-zero strategic projects the status of the highest national significance possible, where such a status exists in national law, and be treated accordingly in the permit- granting processes including those relating to environmental assessments and if national law so provides, to spatial planning.
Amendment 898 #
3. Net-zero strategic projects shall be considered to contribute to the security of supply of strategic net-zero technologies in the Union and therefore to be in the public interest. With regard to the environmental impacts addressed in Articles 6(4) and 16(1)I of Directive 92/43/EEC, Article 4(7) of Directive 2000/60/EC and Article 9(1)(a) of Directive 2009/147/EC, net-zero strategic projects in the Union shall be considered as being of public interest and may be considered as having an overriding public interest provided that all the conditions set out in those Directives are fulfilled.
Amendment 901 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. All dispute resolution procedures, litigation, appeals and judicial remedies related to net-zero strategic projects in front of any national courts, tribunals, panels, including mediation or arbitration, where they exist in national law, shall be treated as urgent, if and to the extent to which national law provides for such urgency procedures and provided that the normally applicable rights of defence of individuals or of local communities would be respected Project promoters of net-zero strategic projects shall participate in such urgency procedure, where applicable.
Amendment 903 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Member States shall ensure that the relevant administrative bodies are adequately resourced and staffed to respond within the applicable time limits to future requests.
Amendment 909 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – title
Article 13 – title
Duration of the permit-granting process for net-zero strategic projects
Amendment 911 #
1. The permit-granting process for net-zero strategic projects shall not exceed any of the following time limits:
Amendment 917 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) 9 months for the construction of net-zero strategic projects with a yearly manufacturing capacity of less than 1 GW;
Amendment 921 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) 12 months for the construction of net-zero strategic projects, with a yearly manufacturing capacity of more than 1 GW;
Amendment 932 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The duration of the permit- granting process shall not include the time for the administrative stages necessary for significant upgrades and expansions of the grid required to ensuring grid stability, grid reliability, and grid safety.
Amendment 933 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a (new)
Amendment 939 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission and the Member States shall undertake activities to accelerate and crowd-in private investments in net-zero strategic projects. Such activities may, without prejudice to Article 107 and Article 108 of the TFEU, include providing and coordinating support to net- zero strategic projects facing difficulties in accessing finance. Member States should have access to sufficient funding to deliver the net-zero projects. Member states may use shares of their ETS revenues that they have to allocate for climate-related purposes as well as national and EU funds. Multiple sources of financing should be made fully available such as unused amounts of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, dedicated support from the EU Innovation Fund, dedicated financing schemes from the European Investment Bank. More investments form the private sector should be stimulated through dedicated state guarantees, especially when it comes to industrial investments in net-zero projects.
Amendment 947 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States may allocate resources and integrate measures supporting investments in strategic net- zero technologies manufacturing and industrial innovation under national Recovery and Resilience Plans, and their REPowerEU chapters, to pursue the objectives of this Regulation and to ensure that the targets set out in Article 1 are met.
Amendment 952 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States may provide administrative support to net-zero strategic projectsprojects, in particular involving SMEs, to facilitate their rapid and effective implementation, including by providing:
Amendment 965 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The European Commission may mobilise the InvestEU Advisory Hub to provide technical assistance to net-zero projects in order to reinforce their technical, economic, environmental and social viability.
Amendment 967 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. The Net-Zero Europe Platform as established in Article 28 shall discuss financial needs and bottlenecks of net-zero strategicprojects, the contribution to emissions saving, the social impact, the impacts on re- and upskilling of the workforce, the use of national ETS revenues to advance strategic net zero technology projects, potential best practices, in particular to develop EU cross-border supply chains, notably based on regular exchanges and reccomendations of the Net-Zero Industry Expert Group and with the relevant European industrial alliances.
Amendment 980 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. If a net zero expert group according to Art 29 (7) a is established the discussion based on Art 15 (1) the reccomendations of the Net-Zero Industry Expert Group and relevant European industrial alliances should be included.
Amendment 988 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The Net-Zero Europe Platform shall, at the request of the net-zero strategic project promoter, discuss and advise on how the financing of its project can be completed, taking into account the funding already secured and considering at least the following elements:
Amendment 996 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall propose to the Council and Parliament no later than 31 December 2024 means of coordinating the various sources of public funding for net-zero projects from the EU and Member States with the object of accelerating their deployment.
Amendment 1000 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15 a (new)
Article15a Net-Zero financing The Commission shall establish a Net Zero Manufacturing Fund, within three months after entry into force of the legislation dedicated to supporting the financing of manufacturing projects of Net Zero Strategic Technologies with highest dependency on one single source of supply, in accordance with the list provided by the European Commission on an annual basis as outlined in Art 22 (2)
Amendment 1021 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Every two year after the entry into force of the Regulation, the European Commission shall report on the progress achieved towards the EU annual injection capacity target. The report shall look in particular at the geographical balance of storage sites across the EU.
Amendment 1027 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 1 b (new)
By the 1st January 2026, and as part of its 2040 climate change target plan, the European Commission shall propose a 2040 annual injection capacity target.
Amendment 1028 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 1 c (new)
After the entry into force of this regulation, the Commission shall assess the introduction of post-2030 targets for CO2 storage to contribute to the EU 2040 climate target and climate neutrality by 2050.
Amendment 1033 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) make publicly available data on areas where CO2 storage sites can be permitted on their territory. , considering the full scope of viable options and geologies.
Amendment 1042 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) oblige entities holding an authorisation as defined in Article 1, point 3, of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council71 on their territory to make publicly available all, in areas where CO2 storage sites can be licensed or permitted, to make publicly available on a non-reliance basis all raw geological data relating to production sites that have been decommissioned or whose decommissioning has been notified to the competent authority. _________________ 71 Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorizations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (OJ L 164, 30.6.1994, p. 3).
Amendment 1045 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) make publicly available data on areas where CO2 capture facilities and transportation pipelines can be permitted on their territory.
Amendment 1050 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) CO2 capture projects in progress and an estimation of the corresponding needs for injection and storage capacities and CO2 transport;
Amendment 1055 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) CO2 storage and transport projects in progress on its territory, including the status of permitting under Directive 2009/31/EC, expected dates for Final Investment Decision (FID) and entry into operation;
Amendment 1063 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the national support measures that couldhave and will be adopted to prompt projects referred to in points (a) and (b).;
Amendment 1065 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) the national support measures to ensure that the CO2 storage and transport projects respect the principles of third- party access, ownership unbundling, non- discriminatory tariffs and transparency, as defined in Directive 2009/73/EC;
Amendment 1069 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point c b (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point c b (new)
(cb) bilateral agreements made to facilitate cross-border transportation of CO2.
Amendment 1070 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point c c (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point c c (new)
(cc) CO2 transportation projects in progress and an estimation of the necessary future CO2 transport projects’ capacity to match the corresponding capture and storage capacity;
Amendment 1073 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Should the report referred to in paragraph 2 show that no CO2 storage projects are in progress on their territory, Member States shall report on plans to facilitate the decarbonisation of industrial sectors faced with unavoidable CO2 emissions. This should include cross- border transport of CO2 to storage sites located in other Member States, as well as CO2 utilisation projects.
Amendment 1090 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a (new)
(a) Entities holding an authorisation as defined in paragraph 1 shall be able to meet their individual contribution to the Union-wide target for available CO2 injection capacity through making available injection capacity in storages located in countries outside the EU, where bilateral agreements between the EU and that country provide for this.
Amendment 1091 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point b (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point b (new)
(b) Member States shall take the necessary measures to facilitate and incentivize emitters to capture emissions, funding support for investors for needed infrastructure to transport CO2 to the storage site, and where needed direct funding of CO2 storage projects.
Amendment 1092 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point c (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point c (new)
(c) Where CO2 is captured and transported in one Member State and transported and stored in other Member States, Member States shall coordinate measures stated in point (b). The European Commission shall ensure and facilitate such coordination through the establishment of CCS Regional Groupings.
Amendment 1111 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 18 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) confirm the entity's contribution, expressed in terms of targeted volume of new CO2 storage and injection capacity commissioned by 2030;ed in registered EU storage commissioned by 2030 and considering the full scope of geologies suitable as storage sites.
Amendment 1128 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 18 – paragraph 5 – point b
(b) enter into agreements with other entities referred to in paragraph 1, thereby considering the overall aim of increasing regional storage capacity across the EU;
Amendment 1129 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5 – point c
Article 18 – paragraph 5 – point c
(c) enter into agreements with third party storage project developers or investors to fulfil their contribution. The CO2 infrastructure projects should respect the principles of third-party access, ownership unbundling, non- discriminatory tariffs and transparency, as defined in Directive 2009/73/EC.
Amendment 1167 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Contracting authorities or contracting entities shall base the award of contracts for net-zero technology listed in the AnnexArticle 3 of this Regulation in a public procurement procedure on the most economically advantageous tender, which shall include the best price-quality ratio, comprising at least the sustainability and resilience contribution of the tender, in compliance with Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU, or 2014/25/EU and applicable sectoral legislation, as well as with the Union’s international commitments, including the GPA and other international agreements by which the Union is bound and the Energy Efficiency 1st principle as defined in Directive 2021/0203(COD).
Amendment 1180 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) social and environmental sustainability going beyond the minimum requirements in applicable legislation including job quality criteria, mechanisms to incentivise quality apprenticeship, measures to improve diversity at work as well as the respect of collective agreements and trade unions' right to negotiate;
Amendment 1192 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) social sustainability aiming at ensuring high-quality jobs, incentivising quality apprenticeship and providing supporting measures to improve diversity at work as well as the respect of collective agreements and trade unions' right to negotiate;
Amendment 1193 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
(bb) respect for the EU acquis; human rights, rule of law & democracy;
Amendment 1194 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b c (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b c (new)
(bc) EU governance rules and reporting obligations;
Amendment 1195 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b d (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b d (new)
(bd) contribution to decent wages and working conditions including and where relevant inclusion of apprenticeships.
Amendment 1197 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) where applicable, the tender’s contribution to the energy system integration and energy efficiency;
Amendment 1242 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Member States may adjust their overall budgets allocated to public procurement procedures as well as the related maximum bid levels in order to accommodate the implementation of non- price criteria.
Amendment 1246 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 a (new)
Article 19 a (new)
Article19a Facilitating access to finance for hard-to- abate industries 1. The Commission and the Member States shall facilitate access to finance for the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate industries supplying raw materials and components for Net-zero Projects for all of the following activities: (a) accelerating investment, including leveraging funding from both public and private sectors. (b) Coordinating support and exploring synergies with Net zero resilience projects or decarbonisation technologies facing difficulties in accessing finance. 2. Through the Net Zero Industry Platform, the Commission and the Member States shall identify financial needs and bottlenecks and potential best practices, notably based on regular exchanges with the relevant industrial alliances. 3. To reach security of supply in the Union, Member States may provide financial support to encourage breakthrough decarbonisation technologies for hard-to-abate industries supplying low carbon raw materials and components eligible to Net Zero Resilience Projects. Such support shall be designed to address remaining financing gaps for Net Zero Projects and may include: (a) guarantees to decrease borrowing costs and reduce risk at an early stage of project development. (b) measures aimed at de-risking agreements with off-takers, including supporting off- takers established in the Union to sign off-take agreements with Net-Zero Resilience Projects.
Amendment 1251 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and Articles 107 and 108 the Treaty, and to the Union’s international commitments including the GPA and other international agreements by which the Union is bound, Member States, regional or local authorities, bodies governed by public law or associations formed by one or more such authorities or one or more such bodies governed by public law, shall assess the sustainability, job quality and resilience contribution as referred to in Article 19(2) of this Regulation when designing the criteria used for ranking bids in the framework of auctions, the aim of which is to support the production or consumption of energy from renewable sources as defined in Article 2, point (1) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.
Amendment 1252 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Article 20 – paragraph 2
2. The sustainability and resilience contribution shall be given a weight between 15% and 30% of the award criteria, without prejudice of the possibility to give a higher weighting to the criteria in Article 19(2), points (a) and (b), where applicable under Union legislation, and of any limit for non-price criteria set under State aid rules. When selecting, designing and implementing the concrete non-price criteria as part of the sustainability and resilience contribution, technology- specific characteristics need to be taken into account and effectively addressed.
Amendment 1272 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Member States shall adjust their overall budgets allocated to renewable energy public procurement procedures and auctions as well as the related maximum bid levels in order to accommodate the implementation of non- price criteria.
Amendment 1274 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. No later than 6 months after the entry into force of this Regulation, the Commission shall provide a clear guidance on the conrete implementation on Art. 19 in combination with Art. 20 of the regulation, by providing: (a) a catalogue of concrete and technology-specific potential nonprice criteria for renewable energy auctions.The catalogue shall differentiate between non-price criteria suitable for competitive bidding processes and non- price criteria suitable as prequalification requirements in renewable energy auctions. (b) a methodology on how to assess / evaluate tender’s contribution to sustainability and resilience referred to in Art. 19 (2), point (a) and (d) (c) a methodology on how to assess / evaluate the cost differences referred to in Art. 20 (3) The Commission shall evaluate the contribution of non-price criteria of this Regulation aiming at incentivising the innovation required for achieving the Union’s 2030 and 2050 energy and climate targets and report to the European Parliament no later than two years after the date of entry into force. If necessary, the Commission shall modify the contribution of non-price criteria in order to foster EU manufacturing, ensuring high environmental and sustainability standards, developing value chains across Europe and increasing EU businesses competitiveness at global level.
Amendment 1280 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and Article 4 of Directive 2018/200173 and in line with the Union’s international commitments, when deciding to set up schemes benefitting households or consumers which incentivise the purchase of net-zero technology final products listed in the AnnexArticle 3 of this Regulation , Member States, regional or local authorities, bodies governed by public law or associations formed by one or more such authorities or one or more such bodies governed by public law, shall design them in such a way as to promote the purchase by beneficiaries of net-zero technology final products with a high sustainability and resilience contribution as referred in Article 19(2), by providing additional proportionate financial compensation. _________________ 73 Directive 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources
Amendment 1305 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall make available and regularly update a list of eachall of the net-zero technology final products listed in the Annexcomponents, materials and machinery, listed in Article 3 of this Regulation , broken down by the share of Union supply originating in different third countries in the last year for which data is available. The Commission and the Net-Zero Europe Platform shall consult industrial stakeholders’ associations and industrial players to this end.
Amendment 1313 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission shall support, including through the provision of seed- funding, and building upon relevant existing initiatives such as the EU sectoral skills blueprints, and after consultation with European and national cross- sectoral social partners, the establishment of European Net Zero Industry Academies, which have as their objectives to:
Amendment 1318 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) develop learning programmes, content and learning and training materials for training and educationin full respect of national competences on vocational training as defined in Article 166 TFEU, support Member States to develop learning and re- skilling programmes, content and learning and training materials for training and education in support of the existing programmes in Member States and with the support of social partners on developing, producing, installing, commissioning, operating, maintaining and recycling net- zero technologies along the entire value chain, on raw materials, as well as to support the capacities of public authorities competent to issue permits and authorisations referred to in Chapter II and contracting authorities referred to in Chapter IV of this Regulation;
Amendment 1322 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) enable and promote the use of the learning programmes, content and materials by public and private education and training providers in the Member States bridging research and innovation, possibly building on existing Horizon Europe projects, among others by training trainers, involving citizens and develop mechanisms to ensure the quality of the training offered by education and training providers in the Member States based on the above learning programmes, content and materials;
Amendment 1328 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. European Net Zero Industry AcademiesThe supporting training material and programmes developed by the European Net Zero Industry Academies will contribute to the overall EU objectives of gender equality and labour market activation and shall counter gender stereotypes and pay particular attention to the need to activate more women and young people, who are not in education, employment or training for the labour market.
Amendment 1334 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. provide dedicated training on upskilling and re-skilling of personnel from permitting bodies in so far as to support the growing needs of national or regional authorities for highly qualified workforce in order for them to deliver on the shortened deadlines listed in this regulation.
Amendment 1348 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 6
(6) promote adequatecent wages and working conditions in jobs in net-zero technology industries, and the activation of youth, women and seniors to the labour market for net- zero technology industries, and the attraction of skilled workers from third countries, and thereby achieve a more diverse workforce;
Amendment 1356 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. Member States including local and regional authorities, may at their own initiative establish net-zero regulatory sandboxes, allowing for the development, testing and validation of innovative net- zero technologies and other innovative technologies considered useful to reach the objectives set in Art. 1 paragraph 1, in a controlled real- world environment for a limited time before their placement on the market or putting into service, thus enhancing regulatory learning and potential scaling up and wider deployment. Member States shallmay establish nNet-z Zero regulatory sandboxes in close collaboration with industry and research institutes in accordance with paragraph 1 at the request of any company developing innovative net- zero technologies, and other innovative technologies, which fulfils the eligibility and selection criteria referred to in paragraph 4(a) and which has been selected by the competent authorities following the selection procedure referred to in paragraph 4(b).
Amendment 1366 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) eligibility and selection for participation in the net-zero regulatory sandboxes;. Particular attention should be given to energy intensive industries supplying raw materials and components of net zero technologies supply chains, as they still need further research and innovation to further decarbonise
Amendment 1371 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 3
Article 26 – paragraph 3
3. The participation in the net-zero regulatory sandboxes shall not affect the supervisory and corrective powers of the authorities supervising the sandbox. The testing, development and validation of innovative net-zero technologies and other innovative technologies shall take place under the direct supervision and guidance of the competent authorities. The competent authorities shall exercise their supervisory powers in a flexible manner within the limits of the relevant legislation, adapting existing regulatory practices and using their discretionary powers when implementing and enforcing legal provisions to a specific net-zero regulatory sandbox project, with the objective of removing barriers, alleviating regulatory burden, reducing regulatory uncertainty, and supporting innovation in net-zero technologies.
Amendment 1375 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 4
Article 26 – paragraph 4
4. Where relevant to achieve the objective of this article, the competent authorities shall consider granting derogations or exemptions to the extent allowed by the relevant Union or national law. The competent authorities shall ensure that the sandbox plan ensures respect for the key objectives and essential requirements of the EU and national legislation. Competent authorities shall make sure that any significant risks to health, safety or the environment identified during the development and testing of innovative net-zero technologies and other innovative technologies is publicly communicated and results in immediate suspension of the development and testing process until such risk is mitigated. Where competent authorities consider that the proposed project raises exceptional risks for the health and safety of workers, of the general population, or of the environment, in particular because it relates to testing, development or validation involving particularly toxic substances, they shall only approve the sandbox plan once they are satisfied that adequate safeguards have been put in place commensurate with the exceptional risk identified.
Amendment 1393 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The InvestEU Advisory Hub should be mobilised to provide assistance to small and medium enterprises in benefiting from the permitting and financing conditions necessary to contribute to the achievements of the objectives set in Article 1.
Amendment 1400 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 3
Article 28 – paragraph 3
3. The Platform mayshall advise and assist the Commission and Member States in relation to their actions to reach the objectives outlined in Chapter I of this Regulation, taking into account Member States’ national energy and climate plans submitted under Regulation (EU) 2018/199975 . _________________ 75 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance.), (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1)in defining clear criteria for selecting future technologies that enable the net-zero transition.
Amendment 1443 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1
Article 29 – paragraph 1
1. The Platform shall be composed of Member States and of, the Commission and relevant industry stakeholders. It shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission.
Amendment 1455 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 6
Article 29 – paragraph 6
6. The Platform may establish standing or temporary sub-groups dealing with specific questions and tasks. The sub- groups related to the assistance of the European Net Zero Industry Academies shall include the relevant social partners as well as stakeholders from the most affected industries.
Amendment 1469 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 8
Article 29 – paragraph 8
8. Where appropriate, tThe Platform or the Commission mayshall invite experts and other third parties such as trade unions and civil society organisations to Platform and sub- group meetings or to provide written contributions.
Amendment 1494 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) the participation of SMEs in net- zero projects and net-zero technology manufacturing
Amendment 1497 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point h a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point h a (new)
Amendment 1504 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 7
Article 31 – paragraph 7
7. On the basis of the draft permit applications submitted pursuant to Article 10 of the Directive 2009/31/EC and on the reports submitted pursuant to Articles 17(2) and Article 18(4) and 18(6) of this Regulation, the Commission shall monitor the progress towards reaching the Union- wide target for CO2 injection capacity referred to paragraph 1 point (b) of this Article and shall report annually to the European Parliament and the Council. To this aim, the Commission shall create a centralised public database of all available data related to CO2 storage in the EU to contribute to map CO2 storage sites and monitor the achievement of the overall target set in article 16.
Amendment 1506 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 a (new)
Article 31 a (new)
Article31a Setting up the Cleantech Manufacturing for Europe Initiative The Commission shall establish Cleantech Manufacturing for Europe Initiative to enable the development, maturation, and deployment of cutting- edge and next generation of manufacturing technologies and to support technology capacity building and large-scale innovation across the EU to strengthen and sustain EU’s competitiveness in manufacturing of critical net-zero technologies and their scaling. The Cleantech Manufacturing for Europe Initiative shall include the following operational objectives: the development of technology infrastructures and to allow for rapid experimentation and disruptive innovation; and the development and strengthening of industry-driven value networks involving research institutes and public sector stakeholders to pool resources for joint investment in RDI, designing of regulatory sandboxes and scaling of net- zero technologies. Ensuring that sufficient EU funds will be targeted towards the implementation of the Cleantech for Europe Initiative in the context of the midterm review of MFF 2021-2027.
Amendment 1525 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – table 1
Annex I – table 1