Brussels, 07/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - Clarification has been provided in Brussels on the expert groups to be constituted in Algiers thanks to the working visit of European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Canete as part of the strategic dialogue on energy with Algeria (see EUROPE 11309).
As Canete and his Algerian counterpart stated, the EU and Algeria have agreed to meet once a year. In the meantime, expert groups will ensure an almost permanent follow up - with a meeting at least once in the intervening period. The groups will each be responsible for an energy policy plan - gas, electricity, renewable energy and energy efficiency. They can also be broadened to representatives from EU member states and industrial associations. The joint document signed in Algiers on Wednesday also mentions a business forum that will hold its first session in early 2016 in order to encourage investment in this sector. There are currently regrets on both sides about a lack of investment. Canete asked for the causes of this disaffection from European investors to be understood.
As well as studies and sector assessments, the special group in charge of the gas sector will be tasked with researching the gas sector's “development potential” and will focus in particular on the development of infrastructure. It will also have to “consider how to market” gas. The aim is to ensure “long-term visibility, guaranteeing the security of Europe's supply and the permanence of outlets for Algerian gas” and thus to encourage investors to take risks on this.
The group in charge of electricity, renewable energy and energy efficiency will focus especially on assessing the integration of Euro-Algerian electricity networks. One of its tasks will be to outline infrastructure development perspectives, on both sides of the Mediterranean, for the trade of electricity from renewables. It will also have to study the European market access conditions for this production. One perspective is of particular importance - that of “facilitating industrial partnership initiatives and promoting investment, including in the manufacture of the equipment” required. This involves continued support in setting commonly agreed standards, and the approval and certification of this equipment. Part of the group's work will be to identify the needs for support. (Fathi B'Chir)