Energy for the future

The Energy Pages

On these pages you will find information on Eryl's commitment to renewable energy and her involvement in European Union energy programmes.

Eryl gives presentation at European Conference for Renewable Energy: 'Intelligent Policy Options' 19-21 January 2004

Eryl gives presentation at European Conference on Local Energy Action, November 2003.

NEWS! Eryl's report on intelligent energy passes the test

NEWS! Eryl takes a leading role in Intelligent energy for Europe

Eryl gives presentation at European Conference for Renewable Energy: 'Intelligent Policy Options'
19-21 January 2004

Click here to go to the Managenergy website to view Eryl's presentation and find out more

Eryl gives presentation at European Conference on Local Energy Action, November 2003.

The conference covered the renewable energy and energy saving and the role of local organisations.

Click here to go to the Managenergy website to view Eryl's presentation and find out more

NEWS! Eryl's report on intelligent energy passes the test

On 20 November 2002 in Strasbourg, the European Parliament adopted the report on the “Intelligent Energy for Europe Programme (2003-2006)” by Eryl McNALLY (PES, UK) amending the Commission’s proposal under the codecision procedure (1st reading). The "Intelligent Energy for Europe" programme will follow the current multi-annual programme for action in the field of energy due to expire on 31 December 2002. The proposal covers the years 2003-2006 foreseeing a total budget of 215 Million Euro. With the new "Intelligent Energy for Europe" action programme, the Commission has proposed a more integrated and coherent
approach, focusing on four programmes: promoting renewable energies (ALTENER) and energy saving (SAVE), and at the same time bringing international action into line with these two priorities (COOPENER). Finally, it proposes to introduce a new raft of measures on the energy aspects of transport (STEER) in line with the new guidelines of the common transport policy. The report of the European Parliament has received wide cross-party support
and calls for:
- increased funding for the programmes: an extra EUR 25 million for ALTENER,
SAVE and STEER and a further EUR 15 million for COOPENER, bringing the total programme cost from EUR 215 million to EUR 255;
- the inclusion of a clause specifying that, following enlargement, an additional contribution reflecting the number and size of new Member States would be foreseen from 2004 onwards;
- the appropriations earmarked for international promotion to represent 13.3% of the total programme cost, rather than 8.8% as proposed by the Commission;
- a horizontal task force to be set up within the Commission to ensure coordination between the various fields of the programme, linkage with other Community policies and utilisation of the project results for the preparation of future legislative measures;
- economic and social cohesion to be specifically mentioned as one of the programme's objectives;
- priority to be given to SMEs and regional or local networks;
- dissemination of results and access to information to be guaranteed by the budget;
- potential future participants to be chosen according to transparent
criteria, with gender mainstreaming being maintained throughout the programme;
- the possible establishment of a European Intelligent Energy Agency, to be responsible for strategic thinking for the development, promotion and implementation of technological measures;
- administrative procedures to be simplified and speeded up.
The report is now awaiting the Common position of the Council to be agreed during the Energy Council Meeting on 25 November 2002. The Council will probably be in disagreement regarding the budget, and may even call for a further reduction of the relatively modest budget initially proposed by the Commission.
The second reading in Parliament is expected to start in January 2003. (To read the amendments in full, see the link at the bottom of this page).

NEWS! Eryl takes a leading role in Intelligent energy for Europe

Eryl has been chosen as Rapporteur for the European Commission's new €215 million energy programme called 'Intelligent Energy for Europe'. The programme will fund renewable energy and energy saving projects throughout Europe.

Intelligent Energy for Europe' aims to help the EU comply with its Kyoto commitments to combat climate change and also to reduce the EU's dependence on outside countries for its energy sources.

Eryl's job as rapporteur means that she is responsible for compiling a report on the proposal, suggesting where any improvements can be made.

What exactly is a 'Rapporteur'?

The work of the European Parliament is divided into Committees. Eryl is on the Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy Committee - the Committee responsible for the Intelligent Energy programme. When a proposal from the European Commission is sent to the relevant Parliamentary Committee, the Committee selects one of its members to be Rapporteur. The Rapporteur is responsible for writing a report on the proposal after discussing the proposal with other Committee members and a wide range of individuals, groups and organisations. The Rapporteur's job is interesting and challenging, and often highly sought after.

Why another programme on energy?

With the new "Intelligent Energy for Europe" action programme, the Commission is adopting a more integrated and coherent approach. It is proposing a much higher level of European support for promoting renewable energies (ALTENER) and energy saving (SAVE), and at the same time bringing international action into line with these two priorities (COOPENER). Finally, it proposes to introduce a new raft of measures on the energy aspects of transport (STEER) in line with the new guidelines of the common transport policy.

Where can I find out more?

Click here to read Eryl's draft report as rapporteur on 'Intelligent Energy for Europe'

Click here to read more about the 'Intelligent Energy for Europe' programme

Click here to follow the 'Intelligent Energy for Europe' proposal through the European Parliament and beyond

Click here to read Eryl's November 2002 amendments in full

Useful general links

Click here to read Eryl's October 2001 report on Energy over the next 50 years

Click here to read Eryl's short guide to renewable energy

Click here to go to the European Union's main energy pages

Click here to go to other energy links on this website