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Press review

UFE/Press review of 18/11/17

Estonia and Luxembourg sign an agreement on statistical transfers of renewable energy
On November 13th, the European Commission announced the conclusion of a second agreement on statistical transfers of renewable energy between Estonia and Luxembourg. Following a first arrangement signed between Lithuania and Luxembourg in October, this mechanism is “an excellent example of how cooperation can help Member States reach their national renewable energy objectives” according to D. Ristori, Director-General for DG Energy. This agreement allows statistically transferring part of the surplus of renewable energy in Estonia to Luxembourg, in order to help this country meet its 2020 national renewable energy target in the framework of the cooperation mechanisms foreseen in the Renewable Energy Directive. Estonia will use the revenues received to finance projects in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Source: European Commission, November 13th, 2017
The IEA stresses the challenges of digitalisation for the energy sector
In a report published on November 6th, the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighted the challenges of digitalisation for the whole energy system. Thus, the report underlines the potential of smart demand response thanks to connected devices and smart meters, thereby massively reducing the investments’ volume in new electricity infrastructures, while promoting system flexibility. Moreover, digitalisation provides tools to facilitate renewables integration into the market and the deployment of electric cars. However, the authors remind of the increase of the direct energy consumption of digital technologies, in particular data centres mobilised to store data, even though it is still difficult to provide credible assessments of energy use by digital technologies beyond the next five years.
Source: Enerpresse, November 8th, 2017
The Commission Expert Group released its conclusions on the interconnection targets
On November 9th, the Commission Expert Group on 2030 electricity interconnection target presented its report to Commissioner M-A. Cañete. Set up in March 2016, this Expert Group aimed to provide technical advice to the Commission regarding the progressive increase of the interconnection targets from 10% to 15% in 2030. While calling for a more efficient use of the existing interconnectors, the Expert Group also recommends considering the development of new projects on the basis of three criteria: minimisation of the price differential (indicative threshold of €2/MWh), ensuring the electricity supply and enabling export of excess renewable production. The conclusions insist also on the need to scrutinize each new project through an economic and environmental cost-benefit analysis, while arguing for the facilitation of public involvement. The next Project of Common Interests list (PCIs) is expected to be published on November 23rd.
Source : European Commission, November 9th, 2017
The Commission unveils the second half of the Clean Mobility Package
On November 8th, the European Commission presented the second half of the Clean Mobility Package “Europe on the Move”, aiming at increasing the transition towards a clean mobility. Two legislative proposals aim specifically to address electro-mobility challenges: the CO2 standards regulation for cars and vans and the Clean Vehicles Directive. The first regulation proposal aims to set a 30% GHG reduction target for the entire fleet of light-duty vehicles by 2030 compared to 2021 level. It also proposes an incentive support mechanism for zero and low emissions vehicles to cars manufacturers. The second directive quantified targets for public tenders in the transport sector in order to encourage member states to purchase zero-emissions vehicles. In this framework, the Commission plans to apply the minimal objective of 34% clean light-duty vehicles in public tenders for vehicles launched in France.
Source: European Commission, November 8th, 2017and Contexte, November 9th, 2017
Electricity mix: Nicolas Hulot said that the target of reducing the nuclear share to 50% in power generation is “unrealistic”
On November 7th, after the French Council of Mministers, Nicolas Hulot stated that it is too “brutal and unrealistic” to reduce nuclear power production to 50% in the electricity production by 2025, “except to call into questions other objectives, including the GHG reduction targets”. The Minister for Ecological and Inclusive Transition choose to prioritize climate issues for the economy’s decarbonation. Christine Goubet-Milhaud, President of the French Union of electricity welcomes the postponement to cut nuclear share in power generation: “temporality and pragmatism shall prevail”.


Source: Enerpresse, November 9th, 2017
RTE’s forecast confirms Nicolas Hulot’s decision
In its 2017-2035 forecast of the national electricity mix, the French transmission system operator, RTE, presented four scenarios, including “Ohm scenario” which demonstrates that reducing nuclear share in power generation to 50% by 2025 would imply the closure of 24 reactors of 900 MW, the maintenance of currently operational coal power plants and the addition of 11 GW gas power plants, despite an increase in the installed capacity of renewable energy to 88 MW. In terms of climate perspective, this would imply an increase of CO2 emissions to 42 megatons (against 22 currently). “It is not possible to combine the closure of coal power plants and 24 nuclear power plants that have been operational almost 40 years. It’s one or the other, or a combination of both” explained O. Grabette, member of RTE’s board of directors.
Source: Usine Nouvelle, November 8th, 2017
Institutional agenda
Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE) of the European Parliament, 27th and 28th, Brussels:
- Vote on the Renewable Energy Directive and Energy Efficiency Directive draft reports (28/11)
- ACER presentation of annual Market Monitoring Report (28/11)
- Exchange of views on free flow of non-personal data in the European Union (28/11)

Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee (ENVI) of the European Parliament, November 27th and 28th, Brussels
Energy Working Party, Council of the EU, November 23rd, 28th, 30th and December 5th, Brussels:
- Discussion on ACER, Electricity Directive and Regulation (23/11)

COREPER I, November 22nd , 24th and 29th, Brussels:
- Discussion on the renewable energy directive and the Governance of the Energy Union regulation (22/11)
- Discussion on the Electricity Directive (24/11)
- Discussion on the Electricity Regulation and EPBD second mandate for trilogue (29/11)

Environment Working Party, Council of the EU, November, 23rd, 27th and December 4th, Brussels:
Trilogue Council/European Parliament/European Commission, December 5th, Brussels:
- Examination of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

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