Brussels, 15/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - In a report on the EU's energy infrastructure investment needs (Council document 11056/11), drafted at the behest of the European Council of 4 February and submitted to the Energy Council of 10 June, the European Commission estimates that investment of almost €140 billion will be needed in the electricity transmission system - €70 billion onshore, €30 billion offshore and €40 billion for storage and smart grid applications at transmission and distribution level - and €70 billion for high pressure gas transmission pipelines for the period to 2020. In addition, the Commission notes the difficulties related to the regulatory and/or financial frameworks and set outs measures to meet funding needs and overcome the obstacles identified.
A legislative proposal, drafted by the staff of Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger, will follow on from the communication in November on energy infrastructure (see EUROPE 10236 and 10258). The proposal, which has been promised for October, will include specifications on building permits and on the funding of infrastructure projects of European interest, a term which will be carefully defined, Oettinger said at a conference in Budapest in mid-May. The commissioner also said that the legislative proposal would include priority status for such projects at national and Community levels and that authorisation procedures will be coordinated by a one-stop shop. In addition to the crucial matter of the gas network, Oettinger highlighted development of electricity motorways and of the CO2 transport network, linked to carbon capture and storage facilities. (E.H./transl.rt)