Services of general interest will play a role in the successful deployment of net-zero industries

On Thursday 16 March, the European Commission tabled its proposal for a Net-Zero Industry Act. This proposal aims to scale up clean technologies in Europe, strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of net-zero technologies manufacturing in the EU, and make energy systems more secure and sustainable. It focuses on improving conditions to set up net-zero projects and attracting investments, aiming to support at least 40% of the EU deployment needs in cleantech by 2030.

Following today’s presentation, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, said:

“SGI Europe generally welcomes the EU ambitions to develop the Net-Zero industrial capacities in the EU. Facilitating the deployment of low-carbon and renewable technologies is a core priority to reach the goals of the EU Green Deal. Together with the Raw Materials Act, the Net-Zero Industry Act must contribute to an enabling framework supporting the EU’s strategic autonomy. It should guarantee to end-users, including SGI providers, safe and secure access to the infrastructures needed for the green transition.”

“A core element for the success of the deployment of clean-tech industries in Europe is the alignment of the Net-Zero Industry Act with existing legislations, such as the EU Taxonomy, the EU Green Deal and the initiatives of the circular economy action plan. Such alignment will be instrumental in ensuring the actual success of the Green Deal Industrial Plan.”

“Stakeholders’ involvement must be at the heart of the Net-Zero Industry Act. The Net-Zero Platform and Net-Zero Industry Academies must reflect the diversity of active stakeholders and interests in Europe. SGIs, both as employers and providers of essential services, are instrumental to the success of the EU green transition.”

“Public procurement and market access are key in bringing political objectives to life. The potential of public procurement in greening our economies is big and has not been used to its fullest. SGI Europe supports the Chapter on Access to markets as long as it gives more legal certainty to public buyers and does not add new obligations.”

(Image: Source: EC - Audiovisual Service)