Belgium supports the European Union adopting a comprehensive energy policy that promotes energy security, competitiveness, and sustainable development. Such a policy should diversify energy sources and supply routes, boost renewable energy and energy efficiency, and coordinate EU energy and environmental policies. Belgium also argues that the EU needs a unified voice in external energy relations and should aim to reduce energy dependency and improve economic competitiveness.
Although the European Union had legislated in the area of energy policy for many years, the concept of introducing a mandatory and comprehensive European energy policy was for a long time not approved. With the Treaty of Lisbon this changed. The Treaty includes legal solidarity in matters of energy supply and gives the EU the right to change energy policy within the EU.
Following the adoption of the Kyoto protocol, the EU set out in implementing the greenhouse gas reductions goals. Given the flagship initiative at the time of Europe 2020, the climate and energy package that was proposed in 2007 and adopted in 2009 took the form of the 20 20 20 by 2020 goals. The package is a set of binding legislation to ensure the EU meets its climate and energy targets by the year 2020. It includes three key targets:
* 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels)
* 20% of EU energy from renewables
* 20% improvement in energy efficiency
The EU must decide as soon as possible on an energy and climate policy framework for 2030. This is so investors continue to invest, wind energy continues to grow and deliver all its benefits, and the EU can meet its greenhouse gas reduction commitments of 80-95% by 2050 in the most cost-efficient way.
Discusses the context and drivers for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy post 2020 and gives a preliminary assessment of the Commission proposals
Although the European Union had legislated in the area of energy policy for many years, the concept of introducing a mandatory and comprehensive European energy policy was for a long time not approved. With the Treaty of Lisbon this changed. The Treaty includes legal solidarity in matters of energy supply and gives the EU the right to change energy policy within the EU.
Following the adoption of the Kyoto protocol, the EU set out in implementing the greenhouse gas reductions goals. Given the flagship initiative at the time of Europe 2020, the climate and energy package that was proposed in 2007 and adopted in 2009 took the form of the 20 20 20 by 2020 goals. The package is a set of binding legislation to ensure the EU meets its climate and energy targets by the year 2020. It includes three key targets:
* 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels)
* 20% of EU energy from renewables
* 20% improvement in energy efficiency
The EU must decide as soon as possible on an energy and climate policy framework for 2030. This is so investors continue to invest, wind energy continues to grow and deliver all its benefits, and the EU can meet its greenhouse gas reduction commitments of 80-95% by 2050 in the most cost-efficient way.
Discusses the context and drivers for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy post 2020 and gives a preliminary assessment of the Commission proposals
These are the supporting materials used by the different speakers of the H2020 WHY project opening session. This evento was held on September 10, 2020.
"Making the circular economy a reality" | Dr Michelle Wyart-Remy | EPCF 2014Cerame-Unie
"Making the circular economy a reality" by Dr Michelle Wyart-Remy, Secretary General of IMA-Europe.
Presentation made at the 15th European Parliament Ceramics Forum on 3 December 2014.
2015: A Critical Year for the Energy Union - MSLGROUP Energy Report March '15MSL
MSLGROUP's latest edition of ON Energy Report looks at how 2015 will be a year of change for the European energy landscape across markets, politics, regulation and innovation.
The sixth report from MSLGROUP's European Energy practice, “2015: a year of unprecedented change?" carries in-depth commentary from the company's energy experts in Brussels, France, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK. We hope you enjoy this latest snapshot from across the European energy communications landscape.
For future updates, please contact Nick Bastin, Partner, CNC and Head of MSLGROUP’s EMEA Energy Practice at nick.bastin@cnc-communications.com.
Do share your queries/feedback with our team at @CNC_comms or reach out to us on twitter @msl_group.
From Brussels to Paris and Beyond - ON Energy Report November '15MSL
MSLGROUP's latest edition of ON Energy Report looks at the evolving European Energy landscape in the context of the forthcoming jamboree that is COP21. With carbon reduction at the top of the agenda, we take a look at some of the challenges and opportunities that we face, and some of the communications needs that the industry has to grapple with.
For future updates, please contact Nick Bastin, Partner, CNC and Head of MSLGROUP’s EMEA Energy Practice at nick.bastin@cnc-communications.com.
Do share your queries/feedback with our team at @CNC_comms or reach out to us on twitter @msl_group.
Addressing the Energy Efficiency First Principle in a National Energy and Cli...Leonardo ENERGY
When designing energy and climate policies, EU Member States have to apply the Energy Efficiency First Principle: priority should be given to measures reducing energy consumption before other decarbonization interventions are adopted. This webinar summarizes elements of the energy and climate policy of Cyprus illustrating how national authorities have addressed this principle so far, and outline challenges towards its much more rigorous implementation that is required in the coming years.
The Long-term Role of Nuclear Power in EuropeTorben Haagh
What role can nuclear energy play in order to achieve the EU clean energy targets? Do the dangers of nuclear energy outweigh the benefits? What advantages would the standardization of nuclear energy result in?
Read about the divide of opinions between those favoring nuclear energy and those opposing it due to the inherent dangers in this article on the long-term role of nuclear power in Europe: http://bit.ly/Slideshare_Paulsen
The complexity and diversity of issues on the table of EU policy makers is set to increase in the coming months. This comes on top of European challenges old and new which threaten the very essence of the European Union project.
Read on to learn about the latest policy developments with this monthly alert from our team in Brussels. For real-time updates, follow @MSL_Brussels or reach out to us on Twitter @msl_group.
Alexa Capital perspective on the opportunity for large scale deployment for solar & onshore wind in South Eastern Europe based on analysis of electricity prices, carbon prices and support schemes
Wind Power Regulatory Framework Survey 2016Stavros Thomas
In the first semester of 2016 a survey was conducted to holistically evaluate the effectiveness of the existing wind power regulatory framework and the related supporting mechanisms performance. The investigation included respondents from around the world spanning a broad range of stakeholders, wind power professionals, insurance providers and policy makers.
The survey conducted to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the existing regulatory framework for the wind energy (particularly offshore) and provide an indicative picture of the pragmatic needs and improvements in the path to a more sustainable energy system and democratic control over renewable energy.
In December 2014 the European Commission released a communication to the European Parliament and the Council setting up the European Energy Security Strategy (COM(2014)330).
The communication specifies eight key pillars to deliver energy in a secure way, coherently with the competitive and low-carbon targets of the European Union, through the promotion of a close cooperation among Member States.It is targeted to primary energy sources and vectors, market design and infrastructures, short and long run measures.
The webinar reviews the status quo, the need of a coordinated action, the key elements and the way forward set up by the European Energy Security of Supply.
These are the supporting materials used by the different speakers of the H2020 WHY project opening session. This evento was held on September 10, 2020.
"Making the circular economy a reality" | Dr Michelle Wyart-Remy | EPCF 2014Cerame-Unie
"Making the circular economy a reality" by Dr Michelle Wyart-Remy, Secretary General of IMA-Europe.
Presentation made at the 15th European Parliament Ceramics Forum on 3 December 2014.
2015: A Critical Year for the Energy Union - MSLGROUP Energy Report March '15MSL
MSLGROUP's latest edition of ON Energy Report looks at how 2015 will be a year of change for the European energy landscape across markets, politics, regulation and innovation.
The sixth report from MSLGROUP's European Energy practice, “2015: a year of unprecedented change?" carries in-depth commentary from the company's energy experts in Brussels, France, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK. We hope you enjoy this latest snapshot from across the European energy communications landscape.
For future updates, please contact Nick Bastin, Partner, CNC and Head of MSLGROUP’s EMEA Energy Practice at nick.bastin@cnc-communications.com.
Do share your queries/feedback with our team at @CNC_comms or reach out to us on twitter @msl_group.
From Brussels to Paris and Beyond - ON Energy Report November '15MSL
MSLGROUP's latest edition of ON Energy Report looks at the evolving European Energy landscape in the context of the forthcoming jamboree that is COP21. With carbon reduction at the top of the agenda, we take a look at some of the challenges and opportunities that we face, and some of the communications needs that the industry has to grapple with.
For future updates, please contact Nick Bastin, Partner, CNC and Head of MSLGROUP’s EMEA Energy Practice at nick.bastin@cnc-communications.com.
Do share your queries/feedback with our team at @CNC_comms or reach out to us on twitter @msl_group.
Addressing the Energy Efficiency First Principle in a National Energy and Cli...Leonardo ENERGY
When designing energy and climate policies, EU Member States have to apply the Energy Efficiency First Principle: priority should be given to measures reducing energy consumption before other decarbonization interventions are adopted. This webinar summarizes elements of the energy and climate policy of Cyprus illustrating how national authorities have addressed this principle so far, and outline challenges towards its much more rigorous implementation that is required in the coming years.
The Long-term Role of Nuclear Power in EuropeTorben Haagh
What role can nuclear energy play in order to achieve the EU clean energy targets? Do the dangers of nuclear energy outweigh the benefits? What advantages would the standardization of nuclear energy result in?
Read about the divide of opinions between those favoring nuclear energy and those opposing it due to the inherent dangers in this article on the long-term role of nuclear power in Europe: http://bit.ly/Slideshare_Paulsen
The complexity and diversity of issues on the table of EU policy makers is set to increase in the coming months. This comes on top of European challenges old and new which threaten the very essence of the European Union project.
Read on to learn about the latest policy developments with this monthly alert from our team in Brussels. For real-time updates, follow @MSL_Brussels or reach out to us on Twitter @msl_group.
Alexa Capital perspective on the opportunity for large scale deployment for solar & onshore wind in South Eastern Europe based on analysis of electricity prices, carbon prices and support schemes
Wind Power Regulatory Framework Survey 2016Stavros Thomas
In the first semester of 2016 a survey was conducted to holistically evaluate the effectiveness of the existing wind power regulatory framework and the related supporting mechanisms performance. The investigation included respondents from around the world spanning a broad range of stakeholders, wind power professionals, insurance providers and policy makers.
The survey conducted to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the existing regulatory framework for the wind energy (particularly offshore) and provide an indicative picture of the pragmatic needs and improvements in the path to a more sustainable energy system and democratic control over renewable energy.
In December 2014 the European Commission released a communication to the European Parliament and the Council setting up the European Energy Security Strategy (COM(2014)330).
The communication specifies eight key pillars to deliver energy in a secure way, coherently with the competitive and low-carbon targets of the European Union, through the promotion of a close cooperation among Member States.It is targeted to primary energy sources and vectors, market design and infrastructures, short and long run measures.
The webinar reviews the status quo, the need of a coordinated action, the key elements and the way forward set up by the European Energy Security of Supply.
Abundant Bandwidth
Optical core bandwidth is growing in an order of magnitude every 2 years, 4 orders of magnitude in 9 years
1992 – 100Mbs (100FX, OC-3)
2001 – 1.6Tbs (160 DWDM of OC-192)
OC-768 (40Gbs) on single is commercial (80Gbs in lab)
2-3 orders of magnitude bandwidth growth in many dimensions
Core – Optical bandwidth - (155mb/s 1Tb/s)
Core Metro – DWDM optical aggregation – (2.4Gb/s N*10Gb/s)
Metro – Access for businesses (T1 OC3, 100FX, 1-Gb/s)
Access – Cable, DSL, 3G – (28kb/s10mb/s, 1.5mb/s, 384kb/s)
LAN – (10mbp/s 10Gbp/s)
Setting the scene, including updates on our work around our global demonstrator regions, and then talk through WASH priorities and available data (based on a structure we will provide in advance), identifying gaps with you and how we might address them.
OD refers to a long-range effort to improve an organization’s problem-solving capabilities and its ability to cope with changes in its external environment with the help of external or internal behavioral-scientist consultants.
Presentation from the 2013 Atlantic Council Energy & Economic Summit expanded ministerial meeting. Presented by Giovanni F. De Santi, director, DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport (IET)
The Need and Necessity of an EU-wide Renewable Energy Target for 2030Leonardo ENERGY
Highlights:
* Analysis of the two most viable options for renewable energy target-setting.
* One option is a ‘decarbonisation-only’ EU target with voluntary national targets for renewable energy.
* Alternative is an EU-wide renewable energy target, broken down into binding national targets.
* Analysis shows that the latter option is most suitable in facilitating a European low-carbon economy.
* It could help to keep energy costs for industry and society at sustainable levels.
1. New Energy Policy of the European Union : Belgian comments
Context
At the summit of Hampton Court the heads of State and the leaders of governments of the
European Union have emphasised the necessity of endowing with a real European Energy
policy. Certain recent events (high oil prices, exports of Russian gas), have showed how much
energy questions could influence our security, our competitiveness or our environment.
Belgium considers energy policy as being integrally part of the Lisbon Strategy and within a
larger framework, of the European strategy for a sustainable development. The energy
strategies have an undeniable impact on numerous other policies. Belgium wants to maintain
coherence and create synergies between this European energy policy and the other European
programmes (Climate Change, Competitiveness and Innovation, ….)
Internal and External European policy
Moreover, in the field of external relations, the pursue of a European energy policy imposes
that Europe could speak with one single voice and could weigh with its entire economic and
political might on the dialogue with third countries, with the producing countries as well as
with the consuming countries. The European Union is in need of a European energy policy
that is ambitious, community oriented and sustainable, aiming at reducing our energy
dependency and improving the competitiveness of our economies.
Priority axes of a European energy policy
- security of supplies and deliveries (energy security)
- competitiveness and access to energy to all
- sustainable development of our energy systems
1. security of supplies and deliveries (energetic security)
- Security of supplies lies at the basis of every energy policy - every serious disorder, let
alone the interruption of the supply of oil and natural gas would involve serious
consequences on our economies. In order to reinforce this security, the countries of the
European Union have to diversify their energetic vectors (energy mixes) their
(geographical) sources of supply, and their roads of supply (pipelines, gas pipelines, LPG
terminals, power transmission lines,…)
- Reinforce their storage policies (oil and natural gas)
- Improve the monitoring on the markets (oil, gas and electricity) (in close collaboration
with the International Energy Agency, i.e. with non EU-countries such as the USA,
Norway,…)
The liberalisation of the gas and electricity markets and the multiplication of the trade and
exchanges resulting in this has brought about new elements of uncertainty as to the liability of
the grids. In order to ensure continuity of deliveries to industrial and domestic consumers,
investments for the renewal and the extension of the production and transport capacities
(including the cross border interconnections) must be the subject of integrated indicative and
co-ordinated plans (long term integrated European policy of the means of production and
transport).
2. 2
2. competitiveness and access to energy to all
By reducing our energy consumption (in all areas, industry, transport, residential) we are
improving our global competitiveness, reducing our dependency, reducing the gases causing
the greenhouse effect. (at point 3). Belgium estimates that beyond the integral implementation
of the present liberalisation guidelines of the gas and electricity sectors, there is a need for
- reinforcing consultation among operators, regulators and authorities
- reinforcing access to transmission networks and storage facilities
- reinforcing energetic efficiency within industry (international competition), within the
household sector and in the transport sector.
- reinforcing policies in matters of R&D, demonstration and propagation of new
technologies
- considering that energy is a means of prime necessity within a totally liberalised market.
Operators have to comply with obligations of public service (foreseen in the existing
guidelines). These obligations should guarantee at any time access to energy at an
affordable price, within the framework of a social policy, as consumers’ interests have to
be safeguarded.
3. sustainable development of our energy systems
Such as for energy security and competitiveness, the improvement of energy efficiency, the
increasing appeal to renewable energies, co-generation, better demand side ..will enable the
EU to pursue a sustainable policy which preserves natural resources, environment and
contributes to the climate change strategy.
On behalf of this, Belgium insists on registering for the priority actions of European energy
policy under the chapter sustainability of energy systems:
- the reinforcement of the policies improving energy efficiency covering all areas
- the intensification of the support (and mitigation of obstacles) for renewable energies
(considering the most cost/benefit investments and the regional specificity’s)
- a better co-ordination of energy and environmental policies, mainly in the field of the
climatic change policy, better foreseeability and transparency of the post 2012 objectives
(indispensable for the decisions on investment into the energy sector)
- contributions of the Energy Council to the follow-up of the climatic strategy and to the
emission trading system (ETS)
- the reinforcement of the policies of demand side management
- the improvement and harmonisation of the energy norms of products,
In order to achieve ambitious objectives in these areas, the EU has to reinforce its policy in
support of R, D& D in this matter. The EU also has to influence durably the behaviours and
habits intending to reinforce its policies with regard to public information, sensitisation, and
education.
Within the framework of external policies of Europe and with the purpose of strengthening
our own actions:
3. 3
- simplify the access to energy has to be facilitated and the supply of efficient and available
energy services, more particularly in the developing countries and regarding to the
definition of the ways of consumption and sustainable production at global level
- act actively within international negotiations and reinforce the dialogue with the major oil
and gas producers
- act actively within international negotiations on climatic change and reinforce the
dialogue with the main GHG emitting countries.
* * * * * *