Innovation should contribute to a fair transition towards a de-carbonised society, say S&Ds
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Brussels, 11 January 2018
Today the parliamentary committee on industry, research and energy passed important recommendations on how to use innovation to boost clean energy in the European Union. The goal of the Socialists and Democrats is to ensure that environmental and human sustainability go hand in hand, ensuring a just transition towards a de-carbonised economy.
S&D spokesperson on industry and energy, Dan Nica MEP, said:
“Innovation can, and must, play a crucial role in developing new technologies to help companies and families adapt to a low-carbon economy. Energy innovation can foster efficiency, help us to save on energy bills, and contribute to fighting climate change.
“The EU and member states should contribute by accelerating these technical developments, and proper legislation needs to be put in place in order to bring legal certainty to those investing in innovation.”
S&D spokesperson on this file, Peter Kouroumbashev MEP, said:
“Innovation in clean energy will benefit consumers and companies by providing energy at affordable prices, better information on their consumption and a more personalised use adapted to their needs. SMEs and start-ups should play a key role in the process of unlocking the full potential of energy innovation. European local and regional authorities must be empowered to be able to develop, fund and deploy energy innovation projects according to their particular needs.
“However, not all EU countries are equally prepared to foster and use innovation and some member states lack the capacity and the funds to fully develop such policies. Geographical disparities between countries are obvious and it is crucial that the EU provides a coherent and simplified financial framework to reinforce member states’ capacities.
“The Commission should recognise the benefits of e-mobility and hydrogen mobility and support the financing of innovation in this direction, as well as further development of batteries, storage solutions and charging infrastructure.”
MEPs INVOLVED
+32 2 284 54 48
+33 3 88 17 54 48
peter.kouroumbashev@ep.europa.eu
+32 2 284 57 08
http://www.peterkouroumbashev.com/
S&D PRESS CONTACT
victoria.martindelatorre@ep.europa.eu
+33 3 88 16 42 98
+32 2 284 30 81