Brussels, 24/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - On the eve of publication, on Wednesday 25 February, by the Commission of its package on energy union, French President François Hollande was handed a report prepared by the secretary general and member of the executive board of the electricity distribution network in France (ERDF), Michel Derdevet, which sets out twelve proposals to create a coherent European approach in the area of networks, centred around three major points.
First: renewal of the framework for security of supply and for cooperation between transmission system operators. The Derdevet report sets out four proposals: - improve coordination on security of supply; - extend and increase cooperation between transmission system operators (TSOs) with a view to creating European TSOs; - encourage cross-border cooperation between distribution system operators; - mesh local energy governance pioneers, in other words, twin European territories and regions that are leading the way on energy transition and look to set up a European territories forum.
Second: improving coordination of finance regulations and innovations. Three proposals are made: - encourage coordination of regulations, providing investors with visibility and incentives; - set up an investment fund for those areas crossed by strategic infrastructure; - reintroduce a long-term view in funding.
Third: promoting Europe as a leader in energy innovation. Here the Derdevet report puts forward five proposals: - pool European R&D efforts on smart networks; - increase efforts on European standardisation; - set up a European energy data platform; - create European innovative mobility corridors, in other words, green motorways designed so that electric vehicles are well provided for in terms of charging points; - set up a European energy college to encourage European excellence in the field of innovation.
These proposals could be taken up by the French government in determining its position in the debate on energy union at the Energy Council on 5 March. (Emmanuel Hagry)