91997E3864

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3864/97 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1997)

Subject: Progress in implementing the regional operational energy programme in Greece

Greece's dependence on imports of foreign oil combined with the dollar's rise in value and the resultant increase in the price of liquid fuels have created serious problems in terms of the balance of trade and employment in Greece. These developments in conjunction with the pollution caused by extensive use of hydrocarbons have once again brought the spotlight to bear on the critical issue of promoting domestic renewable energy sources in Greece.

In the light of the above, will the Commission say what stage has been reached to date in implementing the regional operational energy programme under the Community Support Framework for Greece, with particular regard to the promotion of renewable energy sources?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf- Mathies on behalf of the Commission (19 January 1998)

The operational programme for energy in the Community Support Framework for Greece has to date absorbed 98% of the public expenditure programmed for the first four years, i.e. 59% of the total amount planned for 1994-99. ECU 100.4 million, or 21% of the total for the programme, is allocated to renewable energy. Of this amount, ECU 25.9 million is earmarked for the development of applied technology infrastructure, demonstration of applications and determining what potential is technically and financially exploitable. The remaining ECU 74.5 is earmarked for assisting the private sector to invest in geothermal energy, hydraulic mini-facilities on water courses with a minimum capacity of 300 kW up to 5 mW and existing hydraulic networks, wind power, passive and active solar systems in buildings (particularly for heating, refrigeration and hot water), biofuel production and the use of renewable energy in sea-water desalination plants.

The private sector will mobilise an additional ECU 90.5 million towards the cost of these investments. The body responsible for managing the appropriations is currently signing contracts worth ECU 76 million to implement 26 projects selected out of a total of 68 proposals submitted under the first call for tenders. At the closing date for the second call for tenders (31 October 1997), 120 proposals had been submitted, representing ECU 501 million. These proposals are currently being assessed.