WindEurope has said the European Commission’s Trans-European Networks – Energy Regulation (TEN-E) revision has missed an important chance to prioritise renewable electricity and renewable hydrogen infrastructure.
Instead, it leaves a door open for fossil fuel projects, undermining the European Green Deal objective of climate neutrality, according to the representative body.
TEN-E aims to assist national governments and companies to better interconnect electricity and gas infrastructure across national borders.
The revision became necessary to align Europe’s energy infrastructure with the 2050 climate neutrality objective under the European Green Deal.
Crucially the TEN-E identifies, funds and fast-tracks Projects of Common Interests (PCIs) to make Europe’s energy infrastructure future-proof.
The Commission clarified that sustainability is the overriding selection criteria for PCI projects.
Europe needs a more integrated energy system, relying on renewables-based electrification and the decarbonisation of the gas sector.
But with vague definitions of smart gas and low-carbon hydrogen, WindEurope claims the presented TEN-E revision leaves a door open to support fossil fuel infrastructure.
It said this counteracts the EU climate and energy goals which clearly call for a firm prioritisation of renewable electricity and renewable hydrogen infrastructure.
WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson (pictured) said: “If the EU wants to make TEN-E fit for the Green Deal and become a leader on renewable hydrogen, there’s no time for transitional fossil-based solutions.
“And we must get permitting right.
“It takes way too long to get the ‘fast-tracked’ electricity PCIs permitted and build.
“These projects are essential for the energy transition.”