Energy dependency and autochthonous coal
30.10.2014
Question for written answer P-008563-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jonás Fernández (S&D)
The conclusions of the European Council of 23 and 24 October 2014 on the 2030 climate and energy framework focus on improving security and reducing Europe’s energy dependency, which in countries like Spain stands at over 70%, holding back its economic and industrial competitiveness.
Point 2.6 of the Council’s conclusions states that ‘the existing NER300 facility will be renewed, including for carbon capture and storage’. This technique has proved effective in reducing the adverse effects of coal burning on climate change. Given that some European countries still have large reserves of fossil fuels and their exploitation creates wealth and employment:
- 1.To what extent does the Commission believe that autochthonous coal production in Europe can help reduce the continent’s dependency on outside sources of fuel?
- 2.Does the Commission have any estimates of the percentage of electricity which can be generated with coal produced in Europe and, specifically, in Spain?
- 3.Does the Commission believe that Spain has adequate reserves and coal mining capacity to maintain autochthonous coal production beyond 2018?