Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
276. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the renegotiation of the Trans-European Networks for Energy Regulation, with particular reference to projects of common interest; when these negotiations will conclude; when the proposals will be agreed or made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19943/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation was introduced in 2013 as a new framework for cross-border energy infrastructure planning. The objectives of the Regulation are to expand Europe’s cross-border energy infrastructure, address infrastructure isolation of Member States from gas and electricity networks, enhance energy security and improve integration of renewable energy sources. The TEN-E Regulation inter alia provides for the designation of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) for energy infrastructure projects that address the objectives of the regulation, with a new PCI list to be adopted by the European Commission every two years, following discussions between the Commission, EU Member States and other stakeholders. To reflect the EU’s increased climate ambition through the European Green Deal, and to facilitate reduced GHG emissions from hitherto hard to decarbonise sectors, the TEN-E is one of a number of EU energy and climate regulations and directives scheduled for revision in 2021. An initial proposed draft of the amended regulation was published by the European Commission in December 2020 and this has formed the basis for negotiations between Member States which have been taking place since January 2021.The European Parliament is also working on its preferred outcome for the revision.Agreement on a Council General Approach is expected to be reached midway through this year, with subsequent trilogue negotiations between the European Commission, Council and European Parliament to begin later this year, before a final revision of the TEN-Regulation is agreed. The first PCI list to be established under the amended TEN-E Regulation is likely to be adopted by the European Commission in Q4 2023.
