The coalition said the development of an integrated electricity grid is necessary for sharing renewable electricity from renewables across Europe and creating a stable green energy supply. However proposals for new grid infrastructure are often subject to public opposition.
At yesterday’s European Grid Conference, the coalition presented a declaration to the European Commission on how transparency and public participation can prevent unnecessary delays to grid developments.
The European Grid Conference focused on the need to go beyond public opposition to grid development projects.
Antonio Correia de Campos MEP, a substitute member of the European Parliament’s Industry and Energy committee said: “The development of new grid projects that have a cross-border effect is a crucial element for the attainment of the 2020 policy goals and for the European internal energy market.
“However, these projects, even when connected to renewable sources of supply, are often subject to strong public opposition, as experience has shown. The recently approved guidelines on energy infrastructure projects acknowledge precisely the need for faster infrastructure permitting and deployment, without failing to consider the adequate measures for assuring public participation and transparency.”