Activities of Krišjānis KARIŅŠ related to 2011/2034(INI)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on energy infrastructure priorities for 2020 and beyond PDF (328 KB) DOC (207 KB)
Amendments (51)
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas our major energy challenges are confronting climate change, strengthening energy autonomsecurity while reducing fossil fuel importdiversifying energy suppliers and sources, achieving a competitive internal energy market and ensuring universal access to sustainable, affordable and secure energy,
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas a lack of timely modernisation and adjustment of the Union's energy infrastructure to a more sustainable energy production and consumption model could jeopardise the capacity to achieve the energy and climate objectives for 2020 and undermine the EU's 2050 long-term objective of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 to 95at least by 80%,
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas interconnection capacity between Member States remains generally insufficient, and whereas certain regions remain isolated and dependent on single supplier,
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the third energy package has created a legal framework which should improve competitiveness in the energy market,
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas energy efficiency offers a powerful and cost-effective tool for achieving a sustainable energy future and can partially reduce the need forfosters smart investment in energyold and new infrastructure,
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas smart grids and meters could provide an important opportunity to establish an efficient relationship between energy production, energy transmission, energy distribution and users,
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas regulators play an important role in the creation of a consumer orientated, integrated and competitive internal energy market,
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas market-based tools must remain the basis for financing energy infrastructure, and whereas a limited amount of public finance may be required to fund certain projects which are not strictly commercially viablecriteria must provide the basis for the introduction of instruments to finance energy infrastructure, and whereas, on the basis of detailed assessments f individual cases, a limited amount of public finance may be required to fund the planning or implementation of certain projects, in keeping with predetermined, transparent criteria, provided that those projects are in the interests of the EU and serve the objectives of completing the internal market and/or increasing security of supply, whilst preventing distortions of competition,
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the reference scenario used for assessing the energy infrastructure for 2020 needs to be consistent with the overall energy policy objectives and the EU's 2050 roadmap, and with other EU policies (such as transport, buildings and the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS)), including energy efficiency policies (notably the implementation of the forthcoming energy efficiency action plan (EEP)) as well as, the potential impact of technological advances and, the deployment of ‘smart cities’ initiatives and the principle of security of supply;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the development of electricity infrastructure between the EU and third countries can create a risk of carbon leakage importing network increase that risk where already present; calls on the Commission to bring forward, wherever necessary, measures to address this issue as a ‘carbon inclusion mechanism’ or require conformity wistability; calls, therefore, on the network operators, the regulatory authorities, including ACER, and the Commission to create, in cooperation with the network operators and authorities in third countries, conditions conducive to the establishment of the degree of network stability needed to secure the involvement of neighbouring countries in the EU internal energy market, a precondition for achieving the EU Directive 2009/28/EC; ’s objectives in the area of the development of renewable energies;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses the need for new infrastructure which will put an end to energy islands and single supplier dependency and enhance security of supply;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Asks the Commission and member states to establish measures that ensure that TSOs are properly incentivized to examine possible interconnectors from a regional or European perspective and that their investment plans are based on socio- economic effects of energy interconnectors rather than pure project economy thereby avoiding under- investment in transmission capacity;
Amendment 186 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that, although the Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) identifies relevant electricity and gas infrastructure projects, it should also set the priorities to be developed in order to achieve EU energy and climate goals;
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission, with a view to ensuring better governance of future EU electricity and gas infrastructure planning, to present a concrete proposal to improve transparency and public participation in determining EU priorities within a broader stakeholder participation process involving the powerenergy sector, independent experts, consumer organisations and NGOs;
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers that the TYNDP should form the basis of a rolling programme for developing European electricity and gas transmission infrastructure within a long- term European planning perspective and with monitoring by the Agency for Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and the Commission;
Amendment 226 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that fostering the building of infrastructure for efficient and intelligent integration of renewable energy is critical for the successful achievement of overall energy objectives and welcomes the priority given to the North Sea grid as an essential element of a future European super-grid; asks the Commission to consult all relevant stakeholders with a view to speeding up the identification of electricity highways and to present an outline to the European Parliament by 2014;
Amendment 241 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Endorses the importance of efficient gas infrastructures in enhancing diversification and security of supply and, in contributing to better internal energy market functioning, and thus in reducing energy dependence; highlights the need for additional flexibility requirements in gas infrastructures, in particular with a view to ensuring reverse flows and interconnections, and stresses that gas infrastructure should be developed, with full account being taken of the contribution of LNG/ CNG terminals, as well as storages;
Amendment 263 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Considers that the development of infrastructure for unconventional gas sources has not yet been given the necessary attention by the Commission as regards, throughout assessment as regards available reserves, legal issues, life cycle assessment and, environmental impacts; asks the Commission to conduct a thorough evaluation on this issue and economic viability should be conducted; asks the Commission to speed up work on this issue and include the results of the assessment in any future long-term Union strategy;
Amendment 312 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Considers that the TSOs should be required to place all transmission lines at the full disposal for the market, thereby preventing the reservation of transmission capacity for cross-border balancing, etc. This needs to be established in binding legislation based on the current guidelines of good practice by ERGEG;
Amendment 315 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Calls on the Commission and ACER to pursue the task of creating a common European intraday market by 2014, as this would allow for the free exchange of power on all transmission interconnectors between countries and/or different price areas;
Amendment 317 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Believes that energy infrastructures should become more end-user-oriented, with a stronger focus on the interaction between distribution system capacities and consumption; to this end, emphasises the need for real-time, two-directional power and information flows; points to the benefits of a new electricity system incorporating modern technologies and services such as smart meters, smart grids and interoperable ICT-operated load- and demand-side energy management services;
Amendment 323 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Considers that the roll out of Smart Grids is a matter of urgency, without them, the integration of distributed renewable generation, electric cars and the improvement of energy consumption efficiency, which are basic for the achievement of the European objectives 20-20-20, will not be possible;
Amendment 331 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that smart grids and energy management solutions offer a unique opportunity to boost theinnovation, the creation of jobs as well as competitiveness of European industry, with particular reference to SMEs; calls on the Commission to present a new proposal which includes a binding requirement to deploy smart meters for all non-residential customclosely monitor the third energy package obligations that imposed household costumers to poses smart meters by 2014;
Amendment 339 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Notes the need to create a stable regulatory framework in order to promote the very large investment needed in Europe to establish Smart Grids;
Amendment 345 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Urges the Members States, in liaison with European standardisation bodies and industry; to speed up work on technical standards for electric vehicles and smart grids and meters, with a view to its completion by 2012and interoperability for electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and smart grids and meters; emphasises that technologies should be based on open international standards which will enhance the interoperability of the systems as well as to provide consumer with choices in terms of solutions;
Amendment 355 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Points out that, as stated in the electricity directive 2009/72/EC, where positively assessed, Member States are already obliged to roll out smart meters for at least 80% of their final consumers by 2020; underlines that the objective of smart meters is to enable consumers to effectively monitor and control their energy consumption; stresses that Member States should support a sufficient number of pilot projects for residential consumers in order to boost the innovation process, as provided for in the third energy market package; calls for clear rules concerning privacy and data protection to be established in accordance with existing EU law;
Amendment 362 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls upon the Commission to assess whether any further legislative initiatives for smart grid implementation are necessary under the rules of third internal energy market package; considers that the assessment must take into account the following objectives: i) ensuring the adequate open access and sharing of operational information between actors and their physical interfaces; ii) creating a well functioning energy services market; and iii) providing proper incentives for grid operators to invest in smart technologies for smart grids;
Amendment 365 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls for stronger focus to be put on the interaction between distribution system capacities and consumption, involving a common European smart grid strategy. As highlighted in the European Council conclusions of 4 February 2011, technical standards for smart grids should be adopted by the end of 2012 at the latest;
Amendment 373 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the priority corridors identified by the Commission and agrees on the need to optimise limited funds; calls for a clear and transparent methodology leading to the identification of priority projects that meet pressing European needs in terms of upholding the principles of security of supply, sustainability, competition and development of the internal market;
Amendment 383 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 – indent 1
Paragraph 24 – indent 1
Amendment 390 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 – indent 1 a (new)
Paragraph 24 – indent 1 a (new)
- the project must increase market integration and competition, and reduce market concentration,
Amendment 393 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 – indent 1 b (new)
Paragraph 24 – indent 1 b (new)
- the project must contribute to the security of supply,
Amendment 418 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 – indent 4
Paragraph 24 – indent 4
– they must be consistent with long-term EU energy policy (allowing flexible and multifunctional application and avoiding lock-in effects),
Amendment 423 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 – indent 5
Paragraph 24 – indent 5
– they must make use of proven technologies such as ICT and smart grids;
Amendment 435 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – indent 1
Paragraph 25 – indent 1
– contribution to putting an end to energy islands, and resolution of single-supplier dependency,
Amendment 443 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – indent 2
Paragraph 25 – indent 2
Amendment 447 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – indent 2 a (new)
Paragraph 25 – indent 2 a (new)
- presents a good cost-benefit ratio,
Amendment 457 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – indent 4
Paragraph 25 – indent 4
– reducing potential to increase the use of renewable energy source (RES) curtailments,
Amendment 459 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – indent 5
Paragraph 25 – indent 5
Amendment 461 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – indent 6
Paragraph 25 – indent 6
Amendment 464 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Notes that Smart Grids are a result of the convergence between the electricity and Information and Communications technologies, consequently special attention must be given to the cooperation of the two sectors, such as with regards the efficient use of the radio spectrum across Europe and the understanding of the smart energy functions within the planning of the Future Internet of things; asks the Commission to establish a cooperation plan among the different units involved (DG Research, DG Energy, DG INFSO, etc.) so as to ensure the most coherent and overall efficient way to contribute to the Smart Grids deployment and operation, as a fundamental base for the energy policy activities;
Amendment 466 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses thate need for the assessment of possible obstacles to market-driven development of energy infrastructure must be guaranteed;
Amendment 481 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the establishment of a national contact authority for each European interest project (‘one-stop shop’) as a single administrative interface between developers and the different authorities involved in the authorisation procedure; takes the view that, with regard to cross- border projects, further coordination between national ‘one-stop shops’ and an increased role for the Commission in such coordination should be ensured; before creation of new administrative entities ('one-stop-shop') the Commission and the national authorities must make full use of existing institutions;
Amendment 489 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Commission to determine whether joint or coordinated procedures establishing concrete ad hoc key measures (regular exchanges of information, timely communication of decisions, joint problem-solving mechanisms, etc.) could be set up; encourages the Commission to assess the possibility of modifying certain aspects of national administrative lawclosely monitor the fact that no national administrative procedure unreasonably delays the correct and rapid implementation of the European energy internal market;
Amendment 500 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
Amendment 514 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Notes that grid investments are cyclical and should be viewed in a historical perspective; points out that a large amount of the infrastructure built over the past decades to interconnect centralised power plants will become obsoletage in the coming years; points out that society will expect the cost of keeping existing infrastructure in operation and deploying new infrastructure to be optimised;
Amendment 523 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Stresses that the bulk of the cost of infrastructure investments needs to be financed by the market and based on the ‘user pays’ principle; requests the Commission to assess to what extent the existing regulatory incentives are sufficient to send the necessary signals; takes the view that where key projects are not attractive to the market but their development is necessary in order to achieve the stated objectives, public funding should be used to lever private investment by setting up an innovative mix, subject to a clear ceiling, of financial instruments;
Amendment 542 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Emphasises that a stable, predictable and appropriate regulatory framework that also provides incentives for the construction of new infrastructure is crucial in order to promote investment;
Amendment 555 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Believes that private funding can facilitate timely construction of the needed energy infrastructures, since the sheer magnitude of the infrastructure challenge is so big that private means need to be unlocked properly; considers that as private investors embrace the infrastructure challenge, the Commission should establish clear guidelines for the market actors' and private investors' involvement in so-called "merchant lines"; believes that concerns for impacts on market functioning can be overcome if merchant lines are obliged to hand over the full capacity to the market;
Amendment 558 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Stresses the importance of developing a common methodology by the regulators with regards to cost allocation in cross-border infrastructure projects as such network infrastructure incentives are characterised by multiple market failures, mainly due to natural monopoly and lack of competition;
Amendment 561 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Recalls the importance of transparent, realistic and non-discriminatory tariffs with a view to ensuring appropriate cost allocation for cross-border investments, fair prices for consumers and greater competitiveness; urges Member Sates to abstain from applying excessively low regulated tariffs as these falsify judgement on the market attractiveness; nonetheless recognises the need to apply fair prices for consumers without penalising companies by forcing to sell under market price;