21 trans-European energy networks projects to be funded
The European Commission has approved funding for 21 projects within the trans-European energy networks. The funding, totalling ECU 7.48 million, will go to feasibility studies and environmental impact studies. The feasibility studies for these 21 "projects of common interest" will cost some ECU 15 million in total, with the Community contributing around 50% of the cost. The aim of the Community support is to assist well-defined projects to reach the construction phase. Energy Commissioner, Christos Papoutsis, commenting on the Decision, stated that trans-European energy networks play a vital role in the evolving energy policy of the EU, including the achievement of the internal energy market and the implementation of the Energy Charter. The completion of these projects would contribute to reinforcing overall security of supply and operational flexibility. Examples of gas network projects for which Community funding has been granted include: - The Nordic Gas Grid, which would link Finland, Denmark and Sweden with the supplies of Norway and Russia, and possibly also the Baltic States; - The Italian section of a possible pipeline for Russian imports; - Underground storage projects in Austria and Spain; - An interconnector between Greece and Albania; - A new pipeline system in Austria. A number of electricity network projects will also receive funding for feasibility studies, including: - Interconnections between: . Sweden and Norway; . The United Kingdom and Norway; . The UK and The Netherlands; . Greece and former Yugoslavia; . Greece and Bulgaria; - Strengthening internal connections in Austria, Germany, Spain and Italy. This is the third set of projects to receive support from the energy TENs budget, and concerns the additional projects agreed by the Council and Parliament in May 1997. A further selection of projects will receive support before the end of 1997.