Brussels, 26/11/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Energy Council, which will meet in Brussels on 29 November, will focus mainly on the adoption of conclusions on renewable energy sources. On the basis of a proposed directive, it will also discuss measures to be taken for the security of electricity supply and investments in infrastructure, and will hold a political debate on another proposed directive on the efficiency of energy services and the energy use of final users (households and businesses). Two points of negotiations between the EU and the Balkans on an integrated energy market in south-eastern Europe and EU-Russia energy dialogue will also feature on the agenda.
Further to the Commission's communication entitled "The proportion of renewable energy sources in the EU" of 26 May, and stressing the importance of increasing the competitiveness of renewable energy sources, by such actions as reducing production costs and concentrating on research and development, the Council is to adopt conclusions presented by the Dutch Presidency, mainly stressing the need to limit institutional, administrative and technical obstacles to promote the use of these sources of energy. The Council will focus on the requirement for incentives adapted to grant targeted and efficient support, to contribute towards the security of investment in the sector, based notably on the reduction of administrative procedures and setting up a network which is large and accessible enough, and cross-border inter-connection. It will also stress that the implementation of directives on promotion and co-generation should help to ensure that these conditions are fulfilled.
The Council will also support the Commission's intentions of adopting an action plan in the field of biomass, and take note of recommendations put together by the European workshop on the development of marine wind energy, which suggest specific actions on the part of the Commission and the Member States to develop this market.
The Council will stress the need to grant sufficient importance to renewable energy sources in the funding plans and Community financial instruments, and will support the idea of a medium- and long-term strategy beyond 2010, along the lines of the guidelines laid down in the Commission's communication.