News Archive: EU Energy Policy

UK shale climate-friendlier than LNG imports

A domestic shale industry would allow the UK greater control over regulating and monitoring emissions. (Cuadrilla)

Environmental Policy | 18 March 2015 10:27 GMT

Environmental concerns are holding unconventional gas back in the UK, but from a climate-change perspective it could be cleaner than relying on LNG.

Netherlands allocates €18 bln for offshore wind

Environmental Policy | 18 March 2015 10:07 GMT

The Dutch government has earmarked up to €18 billion ($19.1 billion) in subsidies for offshore wind development between 2015 and 2019.

Energy union and Russia top EU summit agenda

Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans addresses the plenary session. (European Parliament)

Energy Security | 16 March 2015 10:19 GMT

EU heads of state will give prime consideration to energy-related issues at the European Council summit this week.

EU countries fall behind 2020 renewables targets

The UK's Llyn and Inner Dowsing wind farm. Along with France and the Netherlands, the UK is likely to fall short of its 2020 renewable targets. (Centrica)

Investment & Finance | 12 March 2015 10:53 GMT

The UK, France and the Netherlands are still a long way from meeting their 2020 renewables obligations, and it is unclear if new national subsidy regimes will spur enough investment.

EU gas prices ease, outlook bearish for coal

Energy Security | 9 March 2015 11:21 GMT

European gas prices have dropped to their lowest level in four years, according to a report from Dutch bank ABN AMRO published last week.

Turkey’s future transit role stirs debate

Gazprom Chairman Alexei Miller and his Botas counterpart Mehmet Konuk sign the Turkish Stream deal. (Gazprom)

Energy Security | 9 March 2015 10:35 GMT

Opinion is divided on how Turkey’s growing importance as a transit country for gas will affect the EU’s security of supply.

The EU’s long road to transparent IGAs

Bulgaria stopped building South Stream after the EU said the country’s IGA with Russia contravened EU law. (Gazprom)

Competition Law | 5 March 2015 10:13 GMT

The European Commission wants more transparent intergovernmental agreements on energy, but will have to overcome fierce opposition from member states.

Renewables subsidies hurting gas-fired power

Environmental Policy | 4 March 2015 10:32 GMT

National subsidy schemes funding a renewables expansion across the EU are seen by many as a major contributing factor to the current unprofitability of gas-fired plants.

EU ETS reform vote receives mixed reaction

MEPs Giovanni La Via (left) and Ivo Belet from the European Parliament's ENVI committee at a press briefing following the MSR vote. (EP)

Environmental Policy | 2 March 2015 10:44 GMT

Stakeholders in the gas and power industry had hoped for a more ambitious reform of the EU’s Emissions Trading System than the compromise reached in the European Parliament last week.

Brussels stays steadfast on single purchasing

Maroš Šefcovic (left) and Miguel Arias Cañete at the energy union press conference. (European Commission)

Energy Security | 26 February 2015 10:14 GMT

The European Commission has not given up on the idea of single gas purchasing, despite fierce opposition from stakeholders in the gas industry.

Uncertain outlook for LNG demand in Europe

Energy Security | 25 February 2015 10:48 GMT

The outlook for LNG demand in Europe remains uncertain and depends on a number of factors.

MEPs to vote on EU ETS reform

Environmental Policy | 23 February 2015 10:29 GMT

The European Parliament’s environment committee will vote on Tuesday on a proposal to address the allowances surplus in the EU ETS.

Transformative week for Europe’s energy sector

Maroš Šefcovic, commission vice president for energy union, at an event on how to use less Russian gas. (EP)

Energy Security | 23 February 2015 09:36 GMT

This week could mark a turning point for the European gas and power sector following key developments taking place in Brussels.

Greek euro exit may endanger energy projects

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras are trying to loosen the bailout programme. (PA)

Country Profiles | 19 February 2015 09:40 GMT

A Greek withdrawal from the eurozone could jeopardise investment in key energy infrastructure projects in the country and make energy imports more expensive.

EU capacity trading rules near deadline

Market Legislation | 18 February 2015 09:26 GMT

CAM network codes for gas transmission will apply across all 28 EU member states from 1 November this year.

Minsk deal means more Ukraine-Russia gas talks

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives at the meeting of EU heads of state in Brussels. (European Council)

Foreign Affairs | 16 February 2015 12:01 GMT

The Minsk ceasefire agreement – however fragile – could present a new opportunity for Russia and Ukraine to strike a deal on gas deliveries for next winter.

European gas demand remains sluggish

Energy Security | 13 February 2015 10:35 GMT

European gas consumption, imports and production decreased further in 2014, according to the European Commission

EU emission controls could close more plants

A coal-fired power plant in Datteln, Germany. The country already has strict controls on emissions. (E.On)

Environmental Policy | 12 February 2015 11:11 GMT

The European power industry is concerned that stricter EU limits on air pollution from power plants will lead to more closures.

EU energy consumption returns to 1990s level

Energy Security | 11 February 2015 10:56 GMT

The EU’s consumption of energy has fallen back to levels comparable with the early 1990s, according to Eurostat

Lower energy prices to boost EU economy

Investment & Finance | 9 February 2015 11:10 GMT

Lower energy prices are expected to have a significant effect on economic growth and inflation in the EU and euroarea, according to the European Commission’s European Economic Forecast Winter 2015.