European Commission vows to liberalise energy market

Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer
Published : 13 Feb 2007 13:57

POWER: Europe must take strong action against countries standing in the way of change

The European Commission has announced a new energy strategy that includes a single internal market, the lack of which has led to escalating energy prices in the UK. The aim is to provide real choice for energy users, trigger investment into energy and improve sustainability and energy security.

The package of measures includes ambitious targets on greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy. Member states will be asked to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 per cent by 2020, and supply at least 20 per cent overall energy requirements from renewable energy sources.

The EEF has welcomed the announcement and urged the Commission to take firm and quick action against those countries that are standing in the way of a fully liberalised energy market. The failure of European markets to operate in a fair and transparent manner has been a major factor in the escalating price of energy which has resulted in British industry paying the highest gas and electricity prices in Europe, it said.

Martin Temple, director general of the EEF, said: “This issue has been dragging on for a decade and is now a litmus test of the Commission’s determination to truly liberalise European energy markets. There is no doubt it will face strong resistance in some quarters and it must show its determination to take firm action against those countries that want to continue protecting their domestic markets and to profit from the current distorted environment.”

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