a
what was at stake
b
green position
c
what we achieved
d
what we did not achieve

Universal energy access by 2030

Universal energy access is a pre-requisite to achieve the eight Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).

However, energy access as such is not sufficient and might even run counter to development.

It matters how the energy is produced. The infrastructure with which energy is produced and distributed impacts on political power structures. The way energy is produced determines its impact on climate change.

 

What was the Greens' position?

The Greens insisted on renewable energy to be used, when trying to achieve universal energy access.

If renewable sources like agrofuels, biomass and hydropower are used, their environmental and political implications should be taken into account.

Priority should be given to small-scale, off-grid and decentralised projects so as to ensure that renewable energy projects can be sustainable and consistent with EU commitments towards climate change.

 

Did other MEPs accept the Greens' position?

The Greens succeeded to create a majority for universal energy access under the condition of sustainable development.

The Parliament agreed with us that hydropower, biofuels and biomass can have critical consequences.

We also made the Parliament urge the Commission to support local energy production, instead of big, centralised projects. The EU, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank should take these concerns into account when financing energy projects.

The EU should develop clear guidelines on environmental sustainability criteria for renewable energy projects financing.

 

Which points did the Greens lose?

The Greens were not able to make the Parliament recommend certain energy sources.

At the same time, the EPP tried to defend the interest of nuclear industry and European companies with stakes in big dams. They also preferred not to criticise the lending practice of the European Investment Bank and the World Bank. Their attempts to delete the relevant paragraphs were however voted down by the majority in the house.

Reference(s)
Committee:DEVE

Procedure:Own-initiative procedure

Reference(s):2011/2112(INI)

Lead MEP:Norbert Neuser (S&D)

Green MEP responsible:Catherine Grèze

Voted:02/02/2012

Staff contact:Inès Trépant (Email)

Outcome of the vote
Below you find the results of the final vote in plenary. How did the political groups vote? What about national delegations? And what was the position of your MEP?