Brussels, 28/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - In an exploratory opinion adopted by a large majority at the September plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls on the EU to endow itself with a diversified mix of energy sources in order to meet optimally economic, security of supply and climate policy objectives. It advocates a balanced approach to energy choices and concludes that all potential sources, uses and technologies have to play their role to meet future energy challenges. Drafted at the request of Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, the EESC exploratory opinion highlights in particular EU Member States' dependence on external energy supplies. To restrict this dependence, the EESC suggests, as a priority, putting the emphasis on energy efficiency and on renewable energy. But, stressing on the one hand that it is unlikely in the near future that renewable energy could fully replace fossil fuels and nuclear energy, the EESC considers that “all options have to be kept open”. “Traditional energy sources such as gas, oil, coal and nuclear will continue to play an important role in the future energy mix,” adds the EESC, highlighting nonetheless the advantages of nuclear energy (benefits vis-à-vis climate change, low economic external dependence and stable costs) and recommends extension of its use on condition that responses are found to concerns over nuclear safety, decommissioning of nuclear power stations and spent fuel. “In the light of different scenarios, in the foreseeable future possible substitution of nuclear power would evidently lead to increased use of fossil fuels. Support of even better nuclear safety and the implementation of an existing, practical solution to the question of spent fuel is therefore necessary,” says the EESC in a press release. To increase the share of natural gas in the energy mix, the EESC emphasises that investment in liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and developing gas storage facilities and measures should be encouraged. To reduce dependence on third countries, the EESC recommends “greater use of Europe's substantial coal deposits” while putting “serious efforts” into clean coal technologies, which would require notably improved commercial applications of carbon capture and storage. Pointing out too the importance of appropriate levels of investment in energy production and transmission, the EESC sees long-term contracts as “a helpful instrument, within the limits set by the need for sufficient competition”. To reduce the dependence of the transport sector on hydrocarbons, the EESC puts forward a variety of measures such as alternative fuels, intelligent traffic planning, hybrid vehicles and alternative modes of transport. Finally, the EESC recommends increasing R&D in energy. “Many renewables and efficiency technologies need smart engineering to lower their costs. Much basic and longer term research and development work is needed to make the vision of an energy era with a mix of renewables, fusion and hydrogen possible,” the EESC concludes.