Mar 13 2006
The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) has welcomed the Green Paper on a European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy published by the European Commission.
In particular, the CIA endorses the Green Paper’s proposals for increasing energy security through greater diversity of supply and for completion of the internal market in energy. We agree that diversity should be achieved through both type and geographical origin - thereby lessening dependence on particular sources. We strongly support the renewed call for the introduction of real transparency and competition into the workings of EU energy markets.
Many of the Green Paper’s other suggestions have a strong resonance in the UK. We recognise the need for new investment as much of the UK’s generating capacity, both nuclear and coal fired, reaches the end of its planned operational life. We certainly need better strategic buffers against unforeseen difficulties in energy supply: given the UK’s geographic position, we would like to see proper strategic gas storage and maintenance of adequate spare generating capacity within the UK.
Commenting on the Green Paper, CIA’s acting Director General, Steve Elliott, said, “The Green Paper sets out sensible policies for ensuring secure, competitive and sustainable energy supplies in Europe. Now we’d like to see some prompt action, not least on bringing about a transparent and competitive market.”
http://www.cia.org.uk