On 6 December the ENVE commission adopted by majority an opinion on EU long term policy on renewable energy. Members agree that adjustments to the current legislative framework are needed to allow for the achievement of the 2020 targets and for a greater uptake of renewables. In this respect, research and development is vital to make renewable energy sources more competitive.

 

Mrs Linda Gillham, EA group coordinator, believes that more needs to be done to enable the citizens to use sustainable energy at affordable costs, since the rising energy prices and dependence on external suppliers raise serious concerns about the EU capacity of guaranteeing energy security.

Furthermore, the members of the commission had a lively exchange of ideas with the Cypriot minister on Industry and Tourism on the evolving EU framework for local and regional sustainable energy investment.

 

ENVE member Cllr Brian Meaney pointed out that it is time to use the stick with the industrial actors as they are often  the one hindering coordination in the renewables sector.