SGI Europe Comments on the REPowerEU Plan

Today [18 May 2022], the European Commission presented its REPowerEU Plan to respond to the energy market disruption caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The measures proposed address energy savings, diversification of energy supplies, and the accelerated roll-out of renewable energy.

Commenting on the proposals, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, said:

"SGI Europe welcomes the ambition to reduce the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels whilst ensuring security of supply and boosting the delivery of the EU Green Deal through increased energy efficiency targets and massive investments in renewables. SGI Europe welcomes the inclusion of a recommendation on faster and simplified permitting for renewable deployment, which is key for achieving the objective of 45% of renewable energy sources in the energy mix by 2030."

"Giving citizens energy at stable costs must be a priority in the short-term. However, an overall price ceiling on the gas market should only be considered in exceptional situations and be limited in time. SGI Europe also calls on all institutions – EU, national, regional and local – to start campaigns to encourage energy savings."

"The implementation of the REPowerEU plan will impact all services of general interest (SGIs), beyond energy. The transport, housing, but also waste, water and communications sectors are central to achieve the objectives of decarbonising the EU in all segments of the value chain."

"The agreed climate targets will only be achieved if all sectors and instruments contribute to a common goal. The EU now needs to foster direct and indirect electrification based on renewables and low-carbon energy sources while safeguarding the vital role of biogases and other renewable and recovered energy sources, such as energy from waste."

"The EU Green Deal is the only way forward. It must ensure a level-playing field for all technologies on our climate-neutrality path. Mobilising EU funds is now necessary to bridge the huge investment needed to bring the EU out of fossil fuels."

SGI Europe published a position paper dedicated to the REPowerEU plan on 28 April 2022, which available here.

(Photo: EC - Audiovisual Service)