The Director General said that for the next five years the European Commission will focus its work on improving the security of energy supply, moderate energy demand and complete the internal energy market.
Initiatives to be taken include the presentation by the end of the year of a heating and cooling strategy, the European Commission’s new approach towards securing gas supplies and a new strategy that will look into how to better use LNG. On the international scene, the Paris climate conference tops the European Commission agenda, but the EU will also look at negotiating a new partnership with Algeria, which, despite its significant gas reserves, experiences a decline in production because of the lack of modern technology.
Ristori also referred to the Iran nuclear deal and the potential that lies for EU oil and gas businesses once the economic sanctions imposed in the country are lifted.
As regards to the Internal Energy Market, the Director-General noted that it is high time the European Union adapted to the evolution of the energy mix, enabled the integration of renewables into the market and developed regional cooperation mechanisms. Accordingly, the incorporation of demand side flexibility, in particular demand response, in electricity markets should be promoted. The European Commission efforts in the field aim at the final consumer, he added, who must gain the comfort to manage his own energy consumption.
Most of the MEPs were interested to hear from Ristori on the European Commission plans for electric mobility, as many raised concerns that the electrification of transport has been hampered by the lack of appropriate technology in terms of batteries and recharging.
Ristori replied that, indeed, there are no viable options for adequate recharging outside cities and warned against the implications electric mobility would currently have to the grid.
Against this background, the EU executive will continue supporting research and development in efficient combustion engines, while preparing the environment for the electric car.
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