Conference: Regional Power for Clean Transport 30 Oct - 31 Oct, 2013
Regions are an important contributor in developing European energy and transport policy. The new EU policy on clean power for transport will be the key discussion point, emphasising on biogas, electromobility and hydrogen. Members of the European Parliament, EU officials, and representatives from national level, counties and municipalities meet actors from industry and R&D at the conference Regional Power for Clean Transport on 30-31 October 2013, in Oslo. The conference is organised by Akershus County Council and Hydrogen, fuel cells and Electro-mobility in European Regions, HyER. The county of Akershus is the area surrounding Norway’s capital, Oslo. Together, the Oslo and Akershus region is a European frontrunner in clean transport with more than 5,000 e-cars as well as fuel cell cars, biogas and fuel cell buses and a fuel cell strategy. Since last May, 5 hydrogen fuel cell buses have been operating in Oslo within the framework of the EU co-funded Clean Hydrogen In European Cities (CHIC) project. The project is co-financed by the EU’s Fuel Cell Hydrogen Joint Undertaking programme. Join us on the road towards a fossil-free transport sector! For further information, contact the Akershus County Council at +47 22 05 56 80 or the HyER Secretariat at +32 2 223 28 11.
Fuel efficiency standards for cars could create up to 443,000 jobs, shows study March 22, 2013
Robust fuel efficiency standards for cars could create up to 443,000 new jobs by 2030 and add €16 billion per year to Europe’s GDP, according to the first economic study on the impact of CO2 legislation on the auto-industry. Implementing the EU’s proposed 2020 auto-standard of 95 grams of CO2 per km (g/km) for automobiles and 147 g/km for vans – as a stand-alone measure – could result in 356,000 new jobs, says the report by Cambridge Econometrics and Ricardo-AEA. However, if the target were 90 g/km for cars and 141 g/km for vans with annual 3% (and not 1%) efficiency gains in the following years, the jobs harvest could amount to 443,000. “Over-achieving on targets is a plausible scenario, because several automakers have already met their 2015 goals ahead of time,” the report says. Around one-third of the forecast new jobs would be created in the auto-industry value chain, due to the labour intensity of the low-carbon car manufacturing process. The other two-thirds would result from a shift in spending away from fossil fuels to other areas. European Parliament’s Committees on Environment and Industry, Research and Energy voted this week on the proposal for an amending regulation on reducing CO2 emissions from new passenger [...]
Robust fuel efficiency standards for cars could create up to 443,000 new jobs by 2030 and add €16 billion per year to Europe’s GDP, according to the first economic study on the impact of CO2 legislation on the auto-industry. Implementing the EU’s proposed 2020 auto-standard of 95 grams of CO2 per km (g/km) for automobiles and 147 g/km for vans – as a stand-alone measure – could result in 356,000 new jobs, says the report by Cambridge Econometrics and Ricardo-AEA. However, if the target were 90 g/km for cars and 141 g/km for vans with annual 3% (and not 1%) efficiency gains in the following years, the jobs harvest could amount to 443,000. “Over-achieving on targets is a plausible scenario, because several automakers have already met their 2015 goals ahead of time,” the report says. Around one-third of the forecast new jobs would be created in the auto-industry value chain, due to the labour intensity of the low-carbon car manufacturing process. The other two-thirds would result from a shift in spending away from fossil fuels to other areas. European Parliament’s Committees on Environment and Industry, Research and Energy voted this week on the proposal for an amending regulation on reducing CO2 emissions from new passenger [...]
Research and Innovation Commissioner visits Van Hool hydrogen fuel cell bus July 10, 2012
On 9 July 2012, the European Commission announced the final set of calls for proposals for research and innovation under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). In total, 8.1 billion euro will fund projects and ideas that will boost Europe’s competitiveness. 4.8 billion euro is dedicated to thematic research priorities, such as promoting efficient energy and developing smart cities.
On 9 July 2012, the European Commission announced the final set of calls for proposals for research and innovation under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). In total, 8.1 billion euro will fund projects and ideas that will boost Europe’s competitiveness. 4.8 billion euro is dedicated to thematic research priorities, such as promoting efficient energy and developing smart cities.
European Commission launches a campaign on Sustainable Urban Mobility July 3, 2012
On 3 July 2012, the European Commission launched a campaign on Sustainable Urban Mobility. This campaign is a three-year initiative aiming to promote the advantages of combining different modes of transportation in 31 countries. “We want to encourage people to vary the way they move around the city – so our slogan invites people to “Do the Right Mix”. It is vital to promote diversity in our daily mobility choices,” said Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas. 500,000 euro will be awarded to campaign participants to support actions demonstrating significant networking and multiplication effects at the local, regional and/or national or EU level. Individuals, non-commercial entities (schools, NGOs, public administrations, etc.) and commercial entities may apply for up to 7,000 euro in financial support from the European Commission by participating in the campaign. For further information, click here.
On 3 July 2012, the European Commission launched a campaign on Sustainable Urban Mobility. This campaign is a three-year initiative aiming to promote the advantages of combining different modes of transportation in 31 countries. “We want to encourage people to vary the way they move around the city – so our slogan invites people to “Do the Right Mix”. It is vital to promote diversity in our daily mobility choices,” said Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas. 500,000 euro will be awarded to campaign participants to support actions demonstrating significant networking and multiplication effects at the local, regional and/or national or EU level. Individuals, non-commercial entities (schools, NGOs, public administrations, etc.) and commercial entities may apply for up to 7,000 euro in financial support from the European Commission by participating in the campaign. For further information, click here.
Commission announces new initiative to help achieve energy access for all by 2030 April 16, 2012
A new EU energy initiative which will provide access to sustainable energy for an additional 500 million people in developing countries by 2030 was announced by European Commission President, José Manuel Barroso. Speaking at the EU Sustainable Energy for All Summit in Brussels, the President unveiled this EU commitment in the framework of the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (SE4All) launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last year.
A new EU energy initiative which will provide access to sustainable energy for an additional 500 million people in developing countries by 2030 was announced by European Commission President, José Manuel Barroso. Speaking at the EU Sustainable Energy for All Summit in Brussels, the President unveiled this EU commitment in the framework of the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (SE4All) launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last year.
Connecting Europe Facility 24 Apr - 24 Apr, 2012
The next discussion on the Connecting Europe Facility will be held in the European Parliament on Tuesday, 24 April 2012 at 10.30 in a Joint committee Meeting hosted by TRAN and ITRE in the Paul Henry Spaak Building (PHS3C050) The main topics to be discussed include forms of financing, priorities and synergies between the sectors.
The next discussion on the Connecting Europe Facility will be held in the European Parliament on Tuesday, 24 April 2012 at 10.30 in a Joint committee Meeting hosted by TRAN and ITRE in the Paul Henry Spaak Building (PHS3C050) The main topics to be discussed include forms of financing, priorities and synergies between the sectors.
European Parliament Vote on Report for Transport White Paper December 15, 2011
December 14-15 2011 the European Parliament debated and voted in favor of the Report on the Roadmap to a single European Transport Area, submitted by the Member of the European Parliament Matthie Grosch. Significant points of the report included a reference to promote environmentally friendly transport and double the users of public transport in European Member States. Member states are suggested under the report to submit proposals by 2013 for initiatives that promoted environmentally friendly transport with the aim of doubling the users of public transport. The report explains, ”there is an acute need to take action in towns, as the population in conurbations is increasing, which will lead to increasing traffic, noise and air pollution. For this reason, mobility plans will also have to provide for increased infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and lead to the doubling of the number of public transport users. Bus and tram transport in particular can significantly contribute to efficient co-modality in urban, suburban and regional transport, provided that the requisite infrastructure is adapted or made available.” See: Report
December 14-15 2011 the European Parliament debated and voted in favor of the Report on the Roadmap to a single European Transport Area, submitted by the Member of the European Parliament Matthie Grosch. Significant points of the report included a reference to promote environmentally friendly transport and double the users of public transport in European Member States. Member states are suggested under the report to submit proposals by 2013 for initiatives that promoted environmentally friendly transport with the aim of doubling the users of public transport. The report explains, ”there is an acute need to take action in towns, as the population in conurbations is increasing, which will lead to increasing traffic, noise and air pollution. For this reason, mobility plans will also have to provide for increased infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and lead to the doubling of the number of public transport users. Bus and tram transport in particular can significantly contribute to efficient co-modality in urban, suburban and regional transport, provided that the requisite infrastructure is adapted or made available.” See: Report
2013 ‘Year of Air’ November 16, 2011
Environment Commissioner Janez Poto?nik wants 2013 to be the “Year of Air” and is pushing for stronger air quality laws across the European Union. But with many member states failing to enforce current rules, the commissioner could face an uphill battle. The European Commission has begun a comprehensive review of existing laws that could lead within a year to changes in the 2008 air quality directive. The directive is credited, along with a host of other pollution-related laws, in steady improvements in air quality since the EU started setting standards in the 1990s. Still, major challenges lie ahead. Levels of some noxious pollutants are on the rise after a decade of declines, and a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that more than 95% of city residents in the European Union regularly breathe ozone levels that exceed the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended levels. “It’s very clear we’ve been able to reduce emissions but that those emissions have not translated into ambient air quality,” Jacqueline McGlade, who heads the Copenhagen-based EEA, said recently in Brussels. “We have in Europe put in place fairly aggressive targets to reduce emissions,” she said, “but actually what we now understand is that [...]
Environment Commissioner Janez Poto?nik wants 2013 to be the “Year of Air” and is pushing for stronger air quality laws across the European Union. But with many member states failing to enforce current rules, the commissioner could face an uphill battle. The European Commission has begun a comprehensive review of existing laws that could lead within a year to changes in the 2008 air quality directive. The directive is credited, along with a host of other pollution-related laws, in steady improvements in air quality since the EU started setting standards in the 1990s. Still, major challenges lie ahead. Levels of some noxious pollutants are on the rise after a decade of declines, and a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that more than 95% of city residents in the European Union regularly breathe ozone levels that exceed the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended levels. “It’s very clear we’ve been able to reduce emissions but that those emissions have not translated into ambient air quality,” Jacqueline McGlade, who heads the Copenhagen-based EEA, said recently in Brussels. “We have in Europe put in place fairly aggressive targets to reduce emissions,” she said, “but actually what we now understand is that [...]
EU Call for Tender: Monitoring report of the Clean Vehicles Directive August 18, 2011
The European Commission has published a Call for Tender for the monitoring report of the Directive 2009/33/ECon the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles (according to Article 10 of the Directive). The time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is set as 8 September 2011 at 16h Brussels time. The objective of this contract is to provide a monitoring study on the implementation of the Directive. The study should provide a documentation and analysis of the actions taken by the Member States to promote the purchase of clean vehicles. It shall also asses the effects of the Directive, in particular the resulting impacts on the market development of clean and energy-efficient vehicles. Based on the analysis it is expected that the need for further action is assessed and appropriate recommendations are made. The Clean Vehicles Directive aims at promoting and stimulating the development of a market for clean and energy-efficient vehicles and introduces for the first time sustainability obligations into public procurement law for the whole EU. As such, the Directive requires public authorities and some other operators to take into account the impact of these vehicles during their operational lifetime in terms of energy consumption, CO2 emissions and other [...]
The European Commission has published a Call for Tender for the monitoring report of the Directive 2009/33/ECon the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles (according to Article 10 of the Directive). The time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is set as 8 September 2011 at 16h Brussels time. The objective of this contract is to provide a monitoring study on the implementation of the Directive. The study should provide a documentation and analysis of the actions taken by the Member States to promote the purchase of clean vehicles. It shall also asses the effects of the Directive, in particular the resulting impacts on the market development of clean and energy-efficient vehicles. Based on the analysis it is expected that the need for further action is assessed and appropriate recommendations are made. The Clean Vehicles Directive aims at promoting and stimulating the development of a market for clean and energy-efficient vehicles and introduces for the first time sustainability obligations into public procurement law for the whole EU. As such, the Directive requires public authorities and some other operators to take into account the impact of these vehicles during their operational lifetime in terms of energy consumption, CO2 emissions and other [...]
EU Public Consultation on Clean Transport Systems initiative launched August 18, 2011
The European Commission has launched an electronic public consultation on the Clean Transport Systems (CTS) initiative. CTS is a part of the Flagship Initiative for “Resource efficient Europe” to modernise and decarbonise the transport sector. In line with the recently adopted White Paper ‘Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system’ the CTS initiative is designed to help the EU to put an end to oil dependency in transport in the longer term. The public consultation, an interactive policy-making tool, is part of the preparatory work of the Commission prior to publishing its Communication scheduled for the first quarter of 2012 on alternative transport fuels. The Communication will present a comprehensive strategy for the EU on transition to alternative fuels and provide the industry, public sector and consumers with a clear vision on the matter. To facilitate the implementation of the strategy, the Commission is also considering to draft a legislative proposal on alternative fuel infrastructure requirements in the future. Interested parties are invited to participate to the consultation between 11/08/2011 and 06/10/2011. More information on practical matters and access to the questionnaire are available here.
The European Commission has launched an electronic public consultation on the Clean Transport Systems (CTS) initiative. CTS is a part of the Flagship Initiative for “Resource efficient Europe” to modernise and decarbonise the transport sector. In line with the recently adopted White Paper ‘Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system’ the CTS initiative is designed to help the EU to put an end to oil dependency in transport in the longer term. The public consultation, an interactive policy-making tool, is part of the preparatory work of the Commission prior to publishing its Communication scheduled for the first quarter of 2012 on alternative transport fuels. The Communication will present a comprehensive strategy for the EU on transition to alternative fuels and provide the industry, public sector and consumers with a clear vision on the matter. To facilitate the implementation of the strategy, the Commission is also considering to draft a legislative proposal on alternative fuel infrastructure requirements in the future. Interested parties are invited to participate to the consultation between 11/08/2011 and 06/10/2011. More information on practical matters and access to the questionnaire are available here.