92000E4092

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4092/00

by Jorge Hernández Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(10 January 2001)

Subject: Lack of EU funding for the solar energy programme in Andalusia (Spain)

Andalusian manufacturers and fitters of solar panels have warned that a cut in funding for their regional government's aid programme for this type of renewable-energy technology is threatening the viability of the sector. The amount of aid has been reduced from an original ESP 1,7 billion to 1,2 billion.

According to the Andalusia regional government's ministry for industry, this reduction is due to a lack of EU funding which, in the view of companies operating in the sector, will lead to a major scaling-down in growth predictions. Current demand is for over 45 000 m2 of panels, half of which will not now be manufactured.

What information can the Commission provide regarding the lack of EU funding for the implementation of a programme to fit this type of renewable-energy technology, and to what extent can this shortfall be made up, so as not to impede the major growth in this sector which is currently being witnessed in Andalusia?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(19 February 2001)

The integrated operational programme for the Autonomous Community of Andalusia for the 2000-2006 programming period, which the Commission approved on 29 December 2000, provides just over 65 million (about PTE 11 billion) to promote and support renewable energy and energy saving among business and private consumers. The Community Funds are providing 59 % of this amount.

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member that, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, the Member State lays down the arrangements for the actual allocation of this amount among the various alternative sources of energy according to its own energy policy criteria.