Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur on the revision of the renewable energy directive holds a press conference in the European Parliament, in Brussels. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

Brussels

debate

plenary session

renewable energy (T)

PIEPER, Markus (EPP, DE)

Press conference by Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur on the revision of the renewable energy directive

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Well, thank you very much for coming today. Responding to the invitation. Perhaps I can just look at what we've been doing. We finished it at 7:30, and it's just a very unbureaucratic era. We're talking about the extension of renewable energies, and member states have got to have end use of 42.5% renewable energies by 2030.

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, We were very successful in pushing the numbers up in the European Parliament to more than the Council wanted; in the gas area. We have got 5.5 RF and B ose renewable fuels of non-biological origin, and we're going to require 5.5% of those by 2030. But the way in which member states are going to do that is up to them.

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, All we are doing is providing the framework and there's no technological demands, so to speak. So we're not encouraging electrification, but intentionally they want you to leave the technology towards these targets open. So this is what we succeeded in. So in a general framework, this also means that we're strengthening the European single market.

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, We're saying that member states have to create a framework for cross border projects, for cross-border electricity and hydro-projects. And this is what they have to do in order to design a genuine project. But where, how, when and why is left up to member states. So these incentives, this freedom is something that we see throughout the entire directive.

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Looking on wood, there was a lot of dispute on the issues relating to wood, biomass, and we said that looking at wood we had to regard the fires as produces for the furniture industry, but also, as I said, providing a supply of energy. And we are saying, I not say you can't burn anything anymore, but in the future there are going to be qualitative high value round wood which is going to be burned and there isn't a limit.

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, So what we're going to do now is leave it up to those in the business to see how they deal with the European regulations. We've got this cascade principle. So high value wood is looked at in the context of its value for the production, the manufacture of furniture. And then we are also looking at the other types of wood which can be used, can be burnt for energy.

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, So we... Looks at how the harvesters can actually go through the forests. We set certain limits on the felling of the trees. And what we tried to do is create an incentive system in the area for European forests so that they can be used for energy, but nevertheless they can be careful of the carbon issue and also ensure that the forests are replaced.

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, So new forest growth is crucial. So what we wanted to do is create a new framework for the approval procedure. We're saying to member states, you have the European legislation, and in a way, it's letting the rabbit out of the hat. Yeah, and you can actually protect certain animals, certain field mice, for example.

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, You can, however, only create things like new wind farms, provided that the number of certain protected species of animal has reached a level at which they are no longer considered protected. Looking at this issue of wind parks. 5 to 7 years is probably the time frame, and turbo, if member states not approve certain projects within the next year, the next at 12 months, then a project is going to be automatically authorised.

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, So these are new things. This is an automatic trigger. These are new things which are linked to a Europe which is speeding things up, is becoming less bureaucratic. And in the area of renewable energy, this is definitely a day to remember for those who use energy in Europe.

SOUNDBITE (German), Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, But in the room, if there are any questions right here, I would like to remind those on line to please raise your hand. If you would like to ask a question and identify yourself when you start speaking. So are there any questions in the room? Yeah, please go ahead. We'll take one question and then a little more.

Q&A, Questions regarding the possibility of developing solar energy projects in countries neghbouring the EU.

Q&A, Question about the consultation of France and Germany about the deal on hydrogen industry, and another question about if burning wood would qualify for subsidies.

Q&A, Question regarding the energy targets in relation to the transport sector and another question about the 5.5% target in the biofuel sector.

Q&A, Question regarding hydrogen produced using nuclear power and another question asking about if palm oil or soy could be used as biofuel.

Q&A, Question asking an explanation on how the renewables threshold functions, and from what point can countries use nuclear power to reach their green energy targets.

Q&amp;A, Question regarding the investements in nuclear power versus investments in renewables.

Q&A, Question regarding about given for wood burning. the possibility of subsidies being

Q&A, Question regarding the financial implications of the subsidies.

 Question regarding if the renewables energy act may be brought to the plenary again.