ALTENER II: multiannual programme for the promotion of renewable energy sources

In adopting the report by Mrs Undine-Uta BLOCH VON BLOTTNITZ (Greens, D), the European Parliament called for more resources for the ALTENER II programme. It did not feel that the ECU 30 million set aside in the budget for the first stage (1998 and 1999) was sufficient for such an ambitious programme and asked for the level of financing to be calculated in such a way so as to ensure that in 2010 CO2 emissions would have fallen by 15% in comparison with 1990. Furthermore, Parliament felt that the measures aimed at meeting the Community's objectives should not only consist of increasing in absolute terms the number of tonnes of oil equivalent of renewable energy but should also seek to actually replace the energy sources mainly used to date. Many of the amendments adopted were aimed at strengthening the programme, by highlighting in particular: - the interests of SMEs; - the creation of a favourable environment for investment; - the provision of more meticulous and extensive information for decision-makers; - the monitoring of the progress achieved by the Community and the Member States as regards taxation, tariffs, facilities for the sale of renewable energy sources and access to distribution networks; - support for the export of technology for renewable energy sources; - job creation. Finally, the committee called on the Commission to collaborate with Parliament by regularly submitting interim reports on the programme's progress. �