Shifting the paradigm of Europe’s energy system is essential in our fight to reach the target of climate neutrality. The Socialists and Democrats took the lead in ensuring this becomes a reality as members of the European Parliament cast their votes on the European Strategy for Energy System Integration.

Nicolás González Casares MEP, S&D negotiator on the file, said:

“We cannot let a lack of rules and regulations get in the way of Europe achieving the climate targets it has committed to. The urgency to act requires taking advantage of the synergies of all clean energy carriers, involving all sectors and especially consumers, with a more active role. This must go hand in hand with digitisation and greater interconnection capacity to unleash the full potential of a more efficient, renewable-based and integrated energy system. That is why this report is essential in setting out the guidelines for the future. We are pleased to have been able to include several references to the energy efficiency first principle in the final text; this should be implemented in all the plans for energy supply and demand, on policy and investment decisions.

“Moreover, the sustainable investment criteria and all financial tools need to be in line with our common climate and energy targets. It is essential to avoid investments in models that would block the decarbonisation pathway and delay the phase-out of fossil fuels. We know that a greater direct electrification of end-use sectors based on renewable technologies will not be enough. We must lead the implementation of new energy carriers. The use of natural gas should only be of transitional nature and priority should be given to building a renewable hydrogen supply chain in Europe.”

Dan Nica MEP, S&D spokesman on research and innovation, said:

“We call for a coherent, long-term approach and a stable regulatory framework that will increase the potential of local energy sources, energy storage capacity and digitalisation of energy systems, and will raise electricity interconnections to 15% by 2030.

“I underline the importance of increasing the competitiveness of European technologies in the strategic energy sector. We need to improve access to capital for all energy storage projects, for ground-breaking process innovations and technologies, and for the modernisation of existing infrastructure. The transition to a decarbonised system needs to be fair and nobody should be left behind!”