27 Amendments of Simona BONAFÈ related to 2015/2113(INI)
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s communication and underlines the importance of striking the right balance between its different goals: energy security and affordability, measures to support energy efficiency, an ambitious climate policy and the transition towards a more sustainable and low carbon economy, based on the development and integration of renewable energy sources, while guaranteeing the EU’s competitiveness;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the agreement of the European Council on the ‘2030 framework for climate and energy policies’ comprises the commitment of an at least 40% domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, being the basis for developing the decarbonisation dimension of the Energy Union; this decision also constitutes an ambitious contribution to the international climate negotiations with a view to achieving a binding climate agreement in 2015; points out, furthermore, that Parliament had already established, in its resolutions of 5 February 2014 and 26 November 2014, three binding targets, including: 40% for energy efficiency, 30% for renewables and a 40% reduction of greenhouse gases;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the need to achieve a comprehensive and ambitious agreement at the UNFCCC COP 21 meeting in Paris that contains sound guarantees for limiting the temperature increase to 2°C Celsius at a maximum; in this respect, a key role will be played by EU diplomacy as regards climate and energy; the EU, and in particular the High Representative, in close cooperation with the other Commissioners responsible, will have to use all available foreign policy instruments to establish strategic partnerships in the energy sector and to negotiate, with emerging countries and with the United States, an ambitious and binding global agreement to reduce emissions after 2020;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Energy Union should be based on a transition away from fossil fuels and towards the three pillars of energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart infrastructure;
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the key role of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) as a cost-effective tool to achieve the EU’s 2030 emission reduction target; in addition to the Market Stability Reserve (MSR), a structural post 2020 reform of the ETS should be implemented, to take into account the 2030 CO2 reduction target, and including, as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies, tangible and more harmonised measures on carbon leakage, different from the current state-aid regulated mechanism, to safeguard EU industry, by ensuring that there will be no additional direct and indirect ETS costs at the level of best performers and by taking into account changing production levels; calls on the Commission to establish an appropriate instrument to help industries in energy- intensive sectors, which are the most exposed to the problem of carbon leakage, become more energy-efficient;
Amendment 133 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Insists on the need for more ambitious EU initiatives for developing and stimulating incentives for the roll-out of alternative fuels infrastructure, to further incentivise the production and use of advanced biofuels and to speed up the electrification of transport; in this regard, it will be necessary to develop smart infrastructure, such as recharging points equipped with smart meters that are able to monitor and manage, in an integrated manner, the energy flows connected to electric mobility;
Amendment 166 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reaffirms the EU’s and its Member States’ firm commitment to complete the single energy market, ensuring the strict application of the acquis and calls on the Commission to propose a mandatory 15% target of cross border interconnection infrastructure, in particular for renewable electricity, by 2025; stresses that the climate and energy goals will not be achieved unless a fully integrated European network is developed, equipped with a higher number of cross-border interconnections, greater storage potential and smart grids that can handle a secure supply using high levels of renewables;
Amendment 192 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses that investment in an integrated research and innovation strategy is a cornerstone for developing low-carbon technologies and in particular renewable technologies, smart-grid and smart-home technologies, clean transport and storage solutions in order to make the Energy Union a driving force for growth, employment and competitiveness.
Amendment 336 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Commission to set up a comprehensive framework for the external dimension of the Energy Union, with specific reference to the promotion of strategic partnerships with producing and transit third countries and taking into account the current state of regional cooperation; previous and new strategic partnership should be considered and explored in order to enhance dialogue and cooperation on oil and natural gas, energy efficiency and renewable sources, trade and interconnections of the Energy Union with external electricity grids;
Amendment 364 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that greater transparency of intergovernmental agreements could be achieved by strengthening the role of the Commission in energy-related negotiations involving one or more Member States and third countries, including by having the Commission participate in those negotiations if there is a risk of abuse of a dominant position by one supplier; notes that furthermore the Commission should carry out ex-ante and ex-post assessments and draw up both a positive and a negative list of agreement clauses, such as export ban and destination clauses;
Amendment 416 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Emphasises that it is essential to increase the participation of European industry and technology in the entire energy production chain, which includes not only raw materials but also generation, refinement, storage, transportation and distribution, since these are crucial elements for decreasing the EU's dependence on energy imports;
Amendment 524 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the importance for strengthening energy independence of short-term measures such as reducing energy demand, development of renewables and their storage, storage of gas, development of reverse gas flow infrastructure, support of new projects, which enable maximum use of existing infrastructure, preparation of regional security of supply plans, and more effective use of the opportunities to import liquefied natural gas, especially in those Member States which are exclusively dependent on, or unduly vulnerable to, one single supplier of natural gas; draws attention to the key importance of improving links between Member States' networks in order to establish an integrated energy market; points out that for all these reasons there is a vital need for cooperation between the European cities and municipalities, regions, energy cooperatives and local initiatives in various sectors, the Commission, Member States, neighbouring countries, regulatory bodies, ACER transmission system operators, gas suppliers and storage operators;
Amendment 627 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Points to the importance of rationalising and exploiting synergies among infrastructure interconnection projects in the energy, transport, and ICT sectors so as to optimise costs and investment opportunities while reducing environmental impacts;
Amendment 655 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls on the European Commission to revise the PCI criteria to allow for smart grid projects to be prioritised, bearing in mind that distributed generation is connected to the distribution grids, which requires them to adapt to new dynamics through upgraded grids;
Amendment 656 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Stresses that the deployment of smart distribution grids needs to be facilitated through accelerated permission procedures as well as political support and adapted regulatory frameworks for network operators, that recognise the changing needs for investments and incentivise investments in ICT and automation on an equal footing with traditional grid extension;
Amendment 738 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
Amendment 751 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Recalls that the moderation of energy demand, in particular energy demand used for heating, through energy savings and energy efficiency is crucial for a number of reasons, impacting positively on the EU's energy security, competitiveness, economic growth and sustainability, as well as on energy affordability, combatting energy poverty and creating sustainable jobs; highlights in this regard, that according to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency investments represent the best return on investment of any energy resource; calls on the European Commission and the Member States to treat energy efficiency as an energy source in its own right representing the value of energy saved; underlines that energy efficiency and demand-side response shall compete on equal terms with generation capacity, taking due consideration of urgent and exceptional energy security problems and whenever is technically feasible; therefore encourages Member States to give energy efficiency primary consideration in their policies;
Amendment 758 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Points to the importance of removing economic and non-economic barriers in order to encourage the spread of highly energy-efficient technologies; believes that it will accordingly be necessary to lay down Europe-wide technical standards to support a gradual transition to consumption of electricity sources;
Amendment 760 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Stresses that a binding energy efficiency target would be the cost- efficient way to reduce Europe's energy dependency while at the same time protecting industry and households from rising energy bills; recalls that the European Parliament adopted in its resolutions of 5 February 2014 and 26 November 2014 three binding targets including an energy efficiency target of 40%, a renewables target of at least 30% and a GHG target of at least 40%; deplores in this context the lack of ambition on energy efficiency shown by the European Council in their October 2014 summit, in setting a non-binding target of just 27% with no individual targets for Member States;
Amendment 828 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive - especially the National Energy Efficiency Plans (NEEAPs) and National Renovation Strategies - and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive ; calls on the Commission to carry out a revision of the Energy Efficiency and Energy Performance of Buildings Directives in order to achieve the EU 2030 energy efficiency improvement target, putting a stronger emphasis on helping vulnerable consumers and tackling energy poverty; believes that in the context of this enforcement measurement and verification of energy efficiency improvements should be done on a regular basis; in this regards, measures for retro fitting of existing buildings should prioritize the most vulnerable consumers in low quality accommodation or social housing; conditions to target European funds for energy efficiency on vulnerable consumers should be put in place; criteria for a certain percentage of energy obligation schemes to target low income consumers should be set;
Amendment 851 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Considers that investment to moderate energy demand, especially in buildings and industry, is a significant contribution to energy security, while stimulating economic growth and job creation at the same time, and that this should be taken into account when developing integrated economic instruments, building regulations and considering financial allocations; Stresses that increased EU financial support should be made available to support the Member States in achieving these energy efficiency goals and objectives;
Amendment 852 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Notes the importance of integrating the planning of energy demand and supply at the level of the EU internal energy market, with priority given to demand reduction and decentralised solutions, in order to achieve cost-optimal security of supply and avoid unnecessary or over-dimensioned infrastructure investments and stranded costs;
Amendment 918 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Calls on the Commission to establish an efficient and competitive EU mechanism based on tenders for large RES projects. Such mechanism could ensure the achievement of EU level RES targets and avoid a difficult burden sharing process among Member States. In line with the approach outlined by the new EU State Aid guidelines, competitive mechanisms, such as tenders, could improve the development efficiency of renewable energy sources.
Amendment 939 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Stresses that the commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emission must not undermine the EU economy's global competitiveness, particularly in the energy intensive sector and in other sectors and subsectors deemed to be exposed to a significant risk of carbon leakage; stresses the need for compensation mechanisms and EU-harmonized measures different from the current state aid guidelines so as to offset, in all Member States, carbon costs passed through in the electricity bill, therefore securing a full level playing field; calls on the European Commission to put in place the appropriate tools to support energy efficiency in the high energy intensive sector deemed to be exposed to the risk of carbon leakage; considers, however, that the impact of the differentiated electricity prices due to the carbon footprint of the suppliers' energy mix is a legitimate competitive factor pertaining to each Member State's domestic choices;
Amendment 1044 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 b (new)
Paragraph 43 b (new)
43b. Stresses that smart grids are the foundation on which to build smart cities and will play a key role in reducing urban pollution as well as decarbonising transport; in order to improve electric mobility, smart infrastructure will need to be developed, such as recharging points equipped with smart meters that are able to monitor and manage, in an integrated manner, energy flows connected to electric mobility;
Amendment 1138 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. Stresses that the Commission should come forward with a proposal for a reliable and transparent governance system in 2015 in order to have an early indication of Member State contributions post-2020; takes the view that this governance system needs to be codified into legislation well ahead of 2020 to give investors certainty and clarity over their investment decisions; underlines in this regard the need for a strong and proactive role for the European Parliament with regard the design and development of the governance system;
Amendment 1142 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that all proposals forming part of the Energy Union follow the ordinary legislative procedure, thus fully involving the European Parliament at all stages and ensuring effective democratic oversight; expects the governance process foreseen for the implementation of the 2030 climate and energy targets to be transparent, democratic and fully involve the European Parliament;