Strategic Energy Technology Plan - EREC

The European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) welcomes the Strategic Energy Technology Plan released today by the European Commission.

"Research is vital for the development of new, cheaper and more efficient technologies. The faster the costs of renewable energy are reduced, the better we can fight global warming and increase the security of our energy supply. The industry is prepared for this challenge" says Oliver Schäfer, Policy Director of EREC. "We therefore welcome the respective European Wind, Solar, Bioenergy and Smart Grids Initiatives aimed at mobilizing the critical mass of activities and actors in the renewable energy sector."

Heating and cooling sector left behind

However EREC very much regrets that the sole focus of these European industrial Initiatives is on electricity and, to a lesser extent, on transport. "The sector of heating and cooling is not addressed accordingly while it represents approximately half of the EU's final energy consumption" adds Oliver Schäfer. "This represents a serious flaw if the European Union wants to address the future of the EU energy supply".

An integrated strategy to accommodate decentralised generation is needed.

"Storage issues and smart grids – mentioned in the SET Plan - are both components of a broader strategy that is needed to accommodate penetration of renewable electricity generation. Grid integration should not be addressed in a fragmented way. What we need is a far reaching integrated strategy with better tools for forecasting output, with increased use of balancing power and long distance electricity transport using, for example, high voltage direct current" says Oliver Schäfer. This necessity has unfortunately not been enough reflected in the SET Plan.

EREC, the European Renewable Energy Council, is the umbrella organisation of the major European renewable energy industry, trade and research associations active in the field of photovoltaics, small hydropower, solar thermal, bioenergy, ocean & marine, geothermal, wind energy and biofuels. It represents an industry with an annual turnover of more than EUR 30 billion and more than 350,000 employees.