Trans-European energy networks: guidelines

This documents comprises of the report from the Commission on the implementation of the guidelines for Trans-European Energy Networks in the period 1996-2001. This report is drawn up in accordance with Article 10 of Decision 1254/96/EC laying down a series of guidelines relating to the trans-European networks in the energy sector and Article 5 of Council Decision 391/96/EC determining a set of actions with a view to establishing a more favourable context for the development of the Trans-European networks in the energy sector. The object of this report is to analyse the implementation of these two decisions in light of the objectives set for the TEN by Article 154 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. The implementation of the TEN-Energy Guidelines during the period 1996-2001 allowed: - the identification of 90 projects of common interest, out of which: 24 entered into operation during this same period; 12 are currently under construction; 22 are in the process of obtaining administrative permits; and 32 projects are at the study stage; - the granting from the TEN-Energy budget line during the period 1995-2001 of financial aid to studies and exceptionally, in two cases, to the investment phase, for a total value of EUR 123 million shared among the 53 projects of common interest, as well as the supporting of projects of common interest by other Community financial instruments through aid from the ERDF and loans from the EIB; - other actions to encourage the carrying-out of TEN-Energy projects: on authorisation procedures (Recommendation to the Member States), general co-ordination between the various public and private actors, organisation of two specific conferences and the taking into account of the external dimension of the development of the networks (30 projects of common interest having sections in third countries). According to the experience on the implementation of the present guidelines, the need for identifying new energy network projects and the implementation of the internal market for electricity and natural gas, the main topics envisaged for the revision of the TEN-Energy Guidelines are: - the introduction of a list of priority projects of European interest; - the redefinition of TEN Energy priorities highlighting the support for the liberalisation of energy markets; the reinforcement of security of supply; the integration of energy coming from renewable sources; the enlargement of the European Union; and the consideration of peripheral and ultraperipheral regions; - a more general definition of projects of common interest and a less heavy mechanism for updating the detailed list of projects.�