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MEPs want to keep financial support for gas infrastructure projects
KYIV. Sept 29 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Members of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee of the European Parliament at a meeting on Tuesday voted to extend EU financial support until 2027 for gas infrastructure projects, in particular gas pipelines, provided that gas-hydrogen mixtures are pumped through them, The Guardian reported.
The committee voted for the criteria and methodology for selecting energy projects of common interest (PCIs), such as high-voltage transmission lines, pipelines, energy storage facilities or smart grids, which would benefit from fast-track administrative procedures and be eligible to receive EU funds.
According to lead MEP Zdzisław Krasnodębski (ECR, PL), the vote took place as part of the revision of the Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E) regulation to align it with the objectives of the Green Deal strategy.
"We should also bear in mind, however, that Energy Union priorities remain valid and should still be reflected in the rules governing the support for important energy infrastructure projects. Apart from the general sustainability criteria, the projects would still be evaluated based on their contribution to energy security, market integration and affordability for end users" the MEP is quoted in the press release as saying on the website of the European Parliament.
At the same time, the environmental activists of the Global Witness movement have calculated that over 70 gas projects will be able to obtain PCI status. If implemented, they will provoke 213 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, the organization believes.
Senior member of Global Witness Tara Connolly said that the vote would be a disaster for the climate if it is ultimately reflected in the final law.
MEPs will now have to discuss the provisions with the energy ministers of the EU member states, but the final decision on updating the TEN-E rules, including in terms of financing energy projects, will be taken by the European Parliament.
