1 Cohesion Policy support for Sustainable Energy Intelligent Energy Europe boosting regional competitiveness through sustainable energy Open Days Workshop Brussels 5 October 2010 Maud SKÄRINGER European Commission Directorate-General for Regional Policy

2 Solidarity in practice: The EU Cohesion Policy : 347 billion euro invested for less well-off regions or citizens in infrastructure, business, environment and training of workers Regional Fund Social Fund Cohesion fund Convergence objective: regions with GDP per capita under 75% of the EU average. 81.5% of the funds are spent on this objective. Regional competitiveness and employment objective.

3 Cohesion Policy & Sustainable Growth Win-win policy: - Positions EU as lead market in green technologies - Creates new and sustainable jobs in local economies (growth) - Improves and protects the environment Eco- Innovation 3 billion Low Carbon Economy 48 billion Environmental Services 54 billion 105 billion in total 30% of total Cohesion Policy funds times more than in ( 37 billion)

4 Petroleum products 2% Natural gas 6% Electricity (TEN-E) 3% Electricity 3% Natural gas (TEN-E) 3% Wind 7% Solar 10% Biomass 17% Hydroelectric, geothermal and other 10% Energy efficiency, co- generation, energy management 39% CP allocations to Energy Sector Total = 10.8 billion (3.1 % of total) 9 billion sustainable energy. 1.8 billion traditional energies & interconnectors.

5 Allocations to Energy Sector as % of total CP allocations per MS Source: Infoview 2009

6 Energy Efficiency in the Recovery Package Amendment to ERDF regulation (May 2009) Up to 4% of the national ERDF allocation can go to energy efficiency and renewable energy in housing, potentially 8 billion Member States define eligible categories of existing housing, to support social cohesion Further regulatory amendment recently into effect, to facilitate the use of innovative financial instruments in this area

7 Why focus on Sustainable Energy in Buildings? Building sector, a win-win opportunity: –Regional development / social cohesion / energy savings 41 % of EU final energy consumption in buildings (vs. 32% transport & 28% industry) and 36% of CO 2 emissions Single most cost-effective sector for energy reduction: Estimated 30% reduction potential by 2020 New buildings may represent only about 1% of total stock focus on existing buildings

8 Green energy for the hospital of Szeged (HU) Old steam boilers & external pipe system replaced Computer controlled energy systems 800 m² of solar panels New system = 20% energy saving

9 June 2010 – Amendment of Reg (EC) 1083/2006 : Article 44 includes a new paragraph foreseeing support to Financial Engineering Instruments for Energy Efficiency and the use of Renewable Energy in buildings, including existing housing Financial engineering interventions related to energy efficiency improvements and the use of renewable energy in existing housing are no longer limited to urban areas (i.e. projects included in an integrated plan for sustainable urban development) and can be supported anywhere throughout the 27 Member States Enlarging the scope of Financial Engineering interventions

10 Sustainability by recycling funds over the long- term Leverage effect for EU Structural Funds which can be combined with private capital Stronger incentives towards better performance New sources of expertise and know-how Development and modernisation of financial markets Interesting examples from Estonia and Lithuania Key Advantages of Financial Engineering

11 Strategic Report 2010: Different rates of progress in key themes GL1: Attractive places GL2: Improving knowledge & Innovation GL3: More and better jobs

12 Progress Energy priorities Codes 33-43: 10,8 bn available Average project selection 13,2% = 1,4 bn Good progress – CZ, LT

13 Current situation Further opportunities Substantial funds still available during period: By autumn 2009, across the EU 13% project selection rate in the area of energy vs 27% on average for Cohesion Policy as a whole Regulatory changes – Member States encouraged to use the new possibilities

14 More information / Applying for funding Cohesion Policy Project Examples: Policy Learning Database: ?nmenu=5 Regions for Economic Change Conference May 2010 Energy efficiency workshop (2A): growth/programme_en.cfm?nmenu=4 List of Cohesion Policy funds Managing Authorities: Practical Guide to EU funding opportunities for Research and Innovation: