Promotion of cogeneration based on a useful heat demand in the internal energy market

The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the draft by Norbert GLANTE (PES, D), approving 20 compromise amendments agreed following intensive talks with the Council and designed to avoid Conciliation. The deal covers the definition of CHP, micro-cogeneration, timetables, calculation methods of cogenerated energy and targets. The compromise amendments replace the amendments adopted by the Industry Committee. (Please see the previous document.) The rapporteur stated that the negotiations with the Council had been very complicated, because some Member States, who did not want a directive at all, were threatening to block negotiations. Parliament, however, made major concessions so that the directive could be adopted before the European Parliamentary elections in June 2004, thus enabling a framework to be put in place for the development of a cogeneration policy and putting CHP on the political agenda in Europe. The draft directive lays the basis for a common understanding and harmonised definition of CHP. As part of the deal, the Council finally accepted Parliament's proposed definition of micro-cogeneration as being cogeneration unit with a maximum capacity below 50kW e. Under the directive, Member States may simplify micro-plants' access to local electricity grids. The owners of small and micro-plants can use certified values instead of measured data for the calculation of primary energy savings. Thus, the administration burdens for them are reduced. One of the most important points in the negotiations related to calculation methods for cogenerated energy. Parliament was initially keen for a single harmonised calculation method to be laid down but finally agreed to the Council's wish to allow alternative calculation methods, which may now be used either until 2010 or even for an unlimited period. At the same time, Parliament endorsed the Commission's proposal for a two-step approach to defining cogenerated electricity and ensuring that the promoted cogeneration really provides primary energy savings. Parliament and Council also agreed that the Commission would, if necessary, submit proposals for further harmonisation of calculation methods. In addition, harmonised methods for the calculation of cogenerated energy should be adjustable to take account of technical progress. Instead of having binding targets, both institutions have also accepted that Member States should be obliged to evaluate their national potential for cogeneration and report to the Commission. The Commission will complete the analysis, and if necessary, submit an action plan to develop cogeneration further.�