SME EUROPE Working Lunch on “ENERGIE – Neue ganzheitliche Ansätze für den Binnenmarkt und die Infrastruktur”
On Tuesday, 17th of December 2013 the SME Europe of the European People´s Party (EPP) organized a Working Lunch on „ ENERGIE – Neue ganzheitliche Ansätze für den Binnenmarkt und die Infrastruktur”.
The discussion was opened by Dr. Paul Rübig MEP, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, Honorary President of SME Europe, who introduced the participants and the subject of the Working Lunch.
The event continued with the keynote speech delivered by Markus SCHULTE Member of Cabinet of EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger. He highlighted sustainable energy is no longer seen as a luxury. It is not restricted to minor, niche groups and the sustainability is paramount for business. This all the more important in today’s financial situation. The economic crisis has taken its toll on finance for energy projects. Public funding cuts have removed support for innovation and renewable energy. Cuts in jobs and wages have taken the public’s mind off energy and climate challenges.
Pierre-Alain GRAF, CEO of Swissgrid, started his presentation with the main tasks of Swissgrid. These are maintaining the network, providing energy for the market and at last the operational issues. The ENTSO-E Visions 2030 anticipate an expansion of the renewable energy production to up to 59%. Moreover, there are several possible models of expansion of renewable energy sources (RES): Slow Progress (low level of RES, low network integration), Money Rules (low level of RES, high network integration), Green Transition (high level of RES, low network integration) and Green Revolution (high level of RES, high network integration). It is also important to work on the physical and regulatory structure of the market. The effect of better coordination at the international level can result in optimization of the existing infrastructure for Smart Grids.
Jirí BURIÁNEK, Director of DG E II, General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, stated the benefits of a complete internal energy market are clear, namely lower energy prices for consumers and industry, and a more competitive European economy. He highlighted the necessity of a standard agreement for electric/clean cars. He insisted on the importance of crowdfunding as an emerging alternative source of financing.
Any type of project can launch a crowdfunding campaign: SMEs, artists, innovative start-ups, social entrepreneurs may all benefit from different forms of crowdfunding.
The debate ended with an active questions and answers session.
Gallery “ENERGIE – Neue ganzheitliche Ansätze für den Binnenmarkt und die Infrastruktur”