Plans to improve the energy efficiency of urban transport, street lighting and district heating networks could cash-in on €115 million in unspent EU funds.

The European Energy Recovery programme (EERP) was launched in 2009 to boost economic recovery through supporting cross-border gas and electricity inter-connectors, offshore wind parks, and carbon capture and storage projects (CCS).

At the time, the European Parliament unsuccessfully tried to include energy efficiency projects in the programme, but was promised consideration with any unspent funds.

Out of the €3.98 billion planned for 2010, €115 million has yet to be committed and could now be reallocated to energy efficiency projects.

The unspent funds could go towards supporting combined heat/power and district heating/cooling networks, integrating decentralised renewable sources into electricity grids, electric and hydrogen vehicles for public transport, more efficient street lighting, smart metering and smart grids.

The funds would aim to single out projects with “a rapid, measurable and substantial impact on economic recovery, increased energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions” for support.

The European Parliament will vote on the rule change to allow the funds to be reallocated in October.

For further information:
www.europa.eu
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/eepr/

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EU energy project funding overlooks energy efficiency (9-Jul 2009)
European Commission unveils €3.5 billion energy investment (2-Feb 2009)