Activities of Alessandro PANZA related to 2020/0360(COD)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure and repealing Regulation (EU) No 347/2013
Amendments (35)
Amendment 51 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Commission has set out, in its Communication of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’21, a new growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. The Commission’s communication on the Climate Target Plan22 proposing to increase the greenhouse gas emissions’ reduction level to at least 55% by 2030 - an ambition that was endorsed by the European Council on 11 December 2020 - and its underlying impact assessment confirms that the energy mix of the future will be very different from the one of today and underpins the necessity to review and if necessary to revise the energy legislation. The current energy infrastructure investments are clearly insufficient to transform and build the energy infrastructure of the future. That also means infrastructure needs to be in place to support the European energy transition, including rapid electrification, scaling up of renewable electricity generation, the increased use of renewable and low-carbon gases, energy system integration and a higher uptake of innovative solutions. _________________ 21 Commission Communication - The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019. 22Commission Communication - Stepping up Europe’s 2030 climate ambition, Investing in a climate-neutral future for the benefit of our people, COM(2020) 562 final of 17 September 2020
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change following the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (the ‘Paris Agreement’) sets out a long-term goal to keep the global temperature increase to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to keep it to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, and stresses the importance of adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change and making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral European Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Amendment 55 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council23, the current TEN-E Regulation, lays down rules for the timely development and interoperability of trans-European energy networks in order to achieve the energy policy objectives of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to ensure the functioning of the internal energy market, security of supply and competitive energy markets in the Union, to promote energy efficiency and energy saving and the development of new and renewable forms of energy, and to promote the interconnection of energy networks. Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 puts in place a framework for Member States and relevant stakeholders to work together in a regional setting to develop better- connected energy networks with the aim to connect regions currently isolated from European energy markets, strengthen existing cross-border interconnections, promote new ones and help integrate renewable energy. By pursuing those objectives, Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 contributes to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and brings benefits to the entire Union in terms of competitiveness and economic, social and territorial cohesion. _________________ 23Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2013 on guidelines for trans- European energy infrastructure and repealing Decision No 1364/2006/EC and amending Regulations (EC) No 713/2009, (EC) No 714/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009, OJ L 115, 25.4.2013, p. 39–75.
Amendment 57 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The evaluation of Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 has clearly shown that the framework has effectively improved the integration of Member States’ networks, stimulated energy trade and hence contributed to the competitiveness of the Union. Projects of common interest in electricity and gas have strongly contributed to security of supply. For gas, the infrastructure is now well connected and supply resilience has improved substantially since 2013, but both require ongoing support if their full potential is to be exploited and they can contribute to the transition towards the climate targets. Regional cooperation in Regional Groups and through cross-border cost allocation is an important enabler for project implementation. However, in many cases the cross-border cost allocation did not result in reducing the financing gap of the project, as intended. While the majority of permitting procedures have been shortened, in some cases the process is still long. The financial assistance from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has been an important factor as grants for studies have helped projects to reduce risks in the early stages of development, while grants for works have supported projects addressing key bottlenecks that market finance could not sufficiently address.
Amendment 62 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The TEN-E policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the European Green Deal objectives. To achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030, Europe will need a more integrated energy system, relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable sources and the gradual decarbonisation of the gas sector, which in some regions will constitute an essential energy source during the transition phase. The TEN-E policy can ensure that the Union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle.
Amendment 64 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The TEN-E policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the European Green Deal objectives. To achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030, Europe will need a more integrated energy system, relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. The TEN-E policy can ensure that the Union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle.
Amendment 66 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Security of supply, as one main driver behind Regulation (EU) No 347/2013, has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. Moreover, the Commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. On the other hand, the consumption of biogas, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. Therefore, the natural gas infrastructure no longer needs support through the TEN-E policy. The planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape. In some Member States, however, gas infrastructure projects, such as the transition from oil/coal/lignite to gas, including biomethane, offer significant potential for reducing CO2 emissions, and these projects are still deemed eligible for support under the TEN-E policy. In addition, in certain regions gas projects may be essential to guaranteeing security of supply and competitiveness on the market, so that TEN-E eligibility should be maintained. _________________ 27 SWD(2020) 176 final
Amendment 78 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) The Union should encourage the development of hydrogen production and storage sites located in mountain, island and rural areas, areas undergoing depopulation and bordering on third countries and areas with significant brownfield sites and offer incentives to establish new storage and transport infrastructure in the areas concerned.
Amendment 85 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The Union should facilitate infrastructure projects linking the Union’s energy networks with third-country networks that are mutually beneficial and necessary for the energy transition and the achievement of the climate targets, and which also meet the specific criteria of the relevant infrastructure categories pursuant to this Regulation, in particular with neighbouring countries and with countries with which the Union has established specific energy cooperation. Therefore, this Regulation should include in its scope projects of mutual interest where they are sustainable and able to demonstrate significant net socio-economic benefits for at least twoone or more Member States and at least one third country. Such projects would be eligible for inclusion in the Union list provided they are consistent with overall policy approaches and upon conditions of regulatory approximation with the Union and upon demonstrating a contribution to the Union’s overall energy and climate objectives in terms of security of supply and decarbonisation. Such regulatory alignment or convergence should be presumed for the European Economic Area or Energy Community Contracting Parties. In addition, the third country with which the Union cooperates in the development of projects of mutual interest should facilitate a similar timeline for accelerated implementation and other policy support measures, as stipulated in this Regulation. Therefore, in this Regulation, projects of mutual interest should be considered in the same manner as projects of common interest with all provisions relative to projects of common interest applying also to projects of mutual interest, unless otherwise specified.
Amendment 87 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) With a view to combating the weakening and erosion of the economic and social fabric in mountain, island and rural areas, areas undergoing depopulation and areas with significant brownfield sites and fostering their sustainable technological development, the Union should offer incentives for the development and establishment in these areas of production, storage and transport infrastructure.
Amendment 96 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23a) The Commission's geographical priorities should include mountain areas, islands and areas with brownfield sites which can make a vital contribution to achieving the 2050 climate targets, given that for some time mountain communities, islands and areas with significant brownfield sites have been focusing on local energy production from renewable sources with the aim of becoming self-sufficient. Mountain areas, islands and areas with significant brownfield sites should be key interlocutors in the decision-making process on Union energy policies.
Amendment 114 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) addresses the identification of projects of common interest necessary to implement priority corridors and to develop interregional projects and areas falling under the energy infrastructure categories in electricity, smart gas grids, hydrogen, electrolysers, and carbon dioxide set out in Annex II (‘energy infrastructure categories’);
Amendment 117 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) facilitates the timely implementation of projects of common interest by streamlining, coordinating more closely, fostering cooperation between regions and accelerating permit granting processes and by enhancing public participation;
Amendment 118 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) provides rules and guidance for the cross-border allocation of contributions and costs and risk- related incentives for projects of common interest;
Amendment 119 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) addresses the identification of projects of mutual interest or projects promoted by several regions in consultation with the EU.
Amendment 124 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘project of mutual interest’ means a project promoted by the Union in cooperation with third countriesat least one Member State in cooperation with third countries on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement or other agreements and falling within the categories of energy infrastructure referred to in Annex II which contributes to the achievement of the Union's overall energy and climate objectives, as referred to in Article 1(1), and are included on the list of Union projects, as referred to in Article 3;
Amendment 128 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
(9) ‘smart gas grid’ means a gas network that makes use of innovative digital solutions, technological, mechanical or engineering solutions, also with the support of digital instruments, with a view to integrateing in a cost -efficient manner a plurality of low-carbon and renewable gas sources in accordance with consumers’ needs and gas quality requirements in orderand system safety requirements which make it possible to reduce the carbon footprint of the related gas consumption, enable an increased the share of renewable and low-carbon gases, and create links with other energy carriers and sectors;
Amendment 158 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 6
Article 3 – paragraph 6
6. Projects of common interest included on the Union list pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article under the energy infrastructure categories set out in points (1)(a), (b), (c) and (e) of Annex II, shall become an integral part of the relevant regional investment plans under Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943 and Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 715/2009 and of the relevant national 10- year network development plans under Article 51 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 and Article 22 of Directive 2009/73/EC and other national infrastructure plans concerned, as appropriate. Those projects shall be conferred the highest possible priority within each of those plans. This paragraph shall not apply to projects of mutual interest.
Amendment 159 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the project is necessary for at least one of the energy infrastructure priority corridors andor areas;
Amendment 168 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the project contributes significantly to the decarbonisation objectives of the Union and those of the third country and to sustainability, including through the integration of renewable energy into the grid and the transmission of renewable generation to major consumption centres and, storage sites, and; production.
Amendment 169 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the project contributes significantly to the decarbonisation objectives of the Union and those of the third country and to sustainability, including through the integration of renewable energy into the grid and the transmission of renewable generation to major consumption centres and storage sites, and;
Amendment 171 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) the project fosters the sustainable and economic development of the area, also with a view to combating the weakening and erosion of the economic and social fabric in mountain and island areas, areas with significant brownfield sites and areas disadvantaged by their geography;
Amendment 174 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – introductory part
(e) the third country or countries involved have a high level of regulatory alignment or convergence to support the overall policy objectives of the Union, in particular to ensure:broadening the scope of priority infrastructure to include third countries will bring significant benefits for the EU and neighbouring territories, as regards both energy cooperation and other forms of socioeconomic impact. However, the requirement of a high level of regulatory alignment with EU energy legislation and criteria should be reviewed, given that it could hamper the development of projects in key territories.
Amendment 175 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – introductory part
(e) the third country or countries involved have similar overall political objectives and / or a high level of regulatory alignment or convergence to support the overall policy objectives of the Union, in particular to ensure:
Amendment 176 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – point i
Amendment 177 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – point ii
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – point ii
Amendment 180 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – point iii
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – point iii
Amendment 194 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d – point i
(i) market integration, including by connecting existing or emerging hydrogen networks of Member States, or otherwise contributing to the emergence of an Union- wide network for the transport and storage of hydrogentransport network and encouraging the development and establishment of new areas for the production and storage of hydrogen, including in mountain, island and rural areas, areas undergoing depopulation and bordering third countries and areas with significant brownfield sites, and ensuring interoperability of connected systems;
Amendment 297 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. In their decision granting the incentives referred to in paragraph 1, national regulatory authorities shall consider the location of the projects, the results of the cost-benefit analysis on the basis of the methodology drawn up pursuant to Article 11 and in particular the regional or Union-wide positive externalities generated by the project. The national regulatory authorities shall further analyse the specific risks incurred by the project promoters, the risk mitigation measures taken and the justification of the risk profile in view of the net positive impact provided by the project, when compared to a lower-risk alternative. Eligible risks shall in particular include risks related to new transmission technologies, both onshore and offshore, risks related to under-recovery of costs and development risks.
Amendment 330 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part 4 – point 13 – introductory part
Annex I – Part 4 – point 13 – introductory part
(13) Smart gas grids: Adoption of smart gas grid technologies across the Union to efficiently integrate a plurality of renewable and low-carbon gas sources into the gas network, support the uptake of innovative solutionsalso through blending with methane, support the uptake of innovative technological, mechanical or engineering solutions, also supported by digital instruments, for network management and facilitating smart energy sector integration and demand response.
Amendment 340 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
(a) any of the following equipment or installation aiming atintended to enablinge and facilitatinge the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases (including biomethane or hydrogen), synthetic methane or hydrogen) by blending it into the network. This includes: digital control systems and components integrating ICT, control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent integration, monitoring, metering, quality control and management of gas production, transmission, distribution, storage and consumption within a gas network. Furthermore, such projects may also include equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level and related necessary upgrades to the existing network. ; the infrastructure adjustments needed to support the establishment of smart gas grids, to connect production plants to the network and to enable higher concentrations of hydrogen to be absorbed within a gas network. Furthermore, such projects may also include connections to plants producing renewable, low-carbon gas and to the transmission network; equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level and related necessary upgrades to the existing network, such as the updating of parts of the gas infrastructure in order to make grid assets compatible with the transport of renewable, low-carbon gases blended with methane and hydrogen.
Amendment 361 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
(b) related equipment, including connections to the gas grid.
Amendment 363 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 5 – introductory part
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 5 – introductory part
(5) concerning carbon dioxide capture, transport, utilisation or storage:
Amendment 376 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – Part 2 – point 6
Annex III – Part 2 – point 6
(6) pProposed carbon dioxide transport and storage projects falling under the category set out in point (5) of Annex II shall be presented as part of a plan, developed by at least two Member States, for the development of cross-border carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure, to be presented by the Member States concerned or entities designated by those Member States to the Commission.
Amendment 393 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 2 – point b
Annex IV – point 2 – point b
(b) for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (3) of Annex II, the hydrogen project enables the transmission of hydrogen across at the border of a Member State with one or more third countries and proves bringing significant benefits, under the specific criteria listed in in Article 4(3), to at least twoone or more Member States. The calculation of the benefits for the Member States shall be performed and published by the ENTSO for Gas in the frame of Union- wide ten- year network development plan;