91997E2655

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2655/97 by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: EU support for renewable energy

On 27 June 1997 the Council adopted a resolution on renewable sources of energy ((OJ C 210, 11.7.1997, p. 1. )). It stated that renewables were important in the fight against climate change, in securing future energy supplies, creating employment and strengthening the economic structure of isolated regions.

It also said that 'in order to stimulate the market for renewables, appropriate regulatory measures encouraging market participants to buy energy produced from renewable resources may be introduced'.

Will the Commission give details of any plans which it may have to introduce any such regulatory measures on the basis of this resolution?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (1 October 1997)

The Council Resolution ((OJ C 210, 11.7.1997. )) the Honourable Member is referring to concerns the 'Energy for the future: Renewable sources of energy' Green Paper for a Community strategy ((Doc. COM(96) 576. )). The communication also looks at several regulatory measures which could be introduced to encourage market operators to buy energy produced from renewable sources. The measures which the Commission actually intends to select will be set out in the white paper and the renewable energy action plan which it will be presenting before the end of the year.