Brussels, 07/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - The EU27 have agreed to use investment in energy technology and innovation to the benefit of energy efficiency.
Commissioner Günther Oettinger welcomed the broad support shown by the European energy ministers at the meeting in Luxembourg on 7 June. Ministers gave their backing to the priorities highlighted by the Commission in its communication of 2 May on energy technologies and innovation. Member states recognised the need to focus on R&D and innovation to achieve energy efficiency and energy savings, including smart meters and intelligent networks. The EU27 also agreed to focus on electricity storage. The Presidency of the EU Council had geared debates to the question of the validity of the 2008 strategic European plan for the development of energy technology, the SET Plan. (EH/transl.jl)