14 November 2008

Europe's latest energy package contradictory to UK

14 Nov - Prof Peter Cameron from University of Dundee observes the European Commission's latest energy package holds discrepancies from UK’s energy plans and does not necessarily take the current economic climate into consideration.

The EC today announced a package of measures to achieve its core energy objectives of sustainability, competivness and security of supply. The Second Strategic Energy Review - Securing our Energy Future, proposes to 'stimulate investment in more efficient, low-carbon energy networks...secure sustainable energy supplies in the EU and look at the challenges that Europe will face between 2020 and 2050...make energy savings in key areas.'

Prof Peter Cameron is surprised that the EC expected a decrease in the amount of gas used within the EC countries in the coming years, in contrast to UK's prediction in an INCREASE on gas dependence in the UK Energy Review 2007 and all its public statements.

In the package, the EC strongly advocates the investment of new infrastructure to develop super-grids in North West Europe. The EC also encourages investment in carbon capture and renewables to mitigate dependence on imported oil and gas. However, Prof Cameron argues that with the economic recession now in full swing, investments in infrastructure and the transition to net energy dependence might be much slower than expected.

Prof Peter Cameron is available for comment.

Note to Editors
Prof Cameron was a member of an expert group that advised the European Commission on some aspects of the security package (gas security of supply) in early 2008. Prof Cameron is also the author of leading book in this field, 'Competition in Energy Markets: Law and Regulation in the EU'.

More information on Second Strategic Energy Review - Securing our Energy Future: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/strategies/2008/2008_11_ser2_en.htm.

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