Friends of the Supergrid welcomes
the Juncker Investment Package and calls for harmonized regulatory framework,
attractive investment incentives and effective implementation of fast-track
permitting procedure.
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Friends
of the Supergrid (FOSG) , Europe’s largest industrial association for
an interconnected on-and offshore electricity grid, warmly welcomes the
launch of the European Commission’s new European Fund for Strategic Investment
(“EFSI”). FOSG considers the EFSI will indeed contribute meaningfully
to the EU’s growth and competitiveness, even if a larger package would
have reinforced Europe’s seriousness about essential investments.
FOSG especially appreciates that significant
parts of the €315 billion Investment Package will be oriented towards
much needed investments in electricity grids. This Package will certainly
contribute to the effective implementation of a coherent and resilient
energy policy.
Speaking from the European Electricity Regulatory
Forum in Florence, FOSG’s CEO and Chairman, Pierre Bernard, commented:
“A harmonized regulatory framework, attractive investment incentives and
the effective implementation of a pan-European fast-track permitting procedure
for essential infrastructures are absolute “must-haves” for the
concrete and foreseeable realization of the welcomed Juncker Investment
Package. These items are also at the top of FOSG’s work agenda for 2015.
Moreover, various FOSG Members have initiated
major infrastructure projects, all of which will be of key interests for
the success of the future Energy Union and the newly launched EFSI. We
look forward to working with the European Commission in concrete proposals
for bringing forward the electricity infrastructure projects that Europe
needs, especially for its security of supply.” FOSG represents the key
sectors active in the electricity grid industry, i.e. global multi-industrial
companies with a combined turnover of more than €300 billion. The main
purpose of FOSG is to support the creation of an integrated European electricity
market supported by a pan-European offshore and onshore electricity network,
the Supergrid, which will significantly foster Europe’s energy independence.
