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Parliamentary question - E-001071/2022(ASW)Parliamentary question
E-001071/2022(ASW)

Answer given by Ms McGuinness on behalf of the European Commission

The European Green Deal and its emphasis on renewable energy and energy efficiency are the lasting solution to the challenges we face. The recent geopolitical events show the urgency to accelerate our green transition and boost our strategic autonomy.

The proposed pathway for Europe to reduce its dependency on Russian gas, announced in the RePower EU Communication of 8 March 2022[1], is an important element in this process.

The EU Taxonomy Complementary Climate Delegated Act on specific gas and nuclear activities, adopted on 9 March 2022[2], is currently under the scrutiny of the co-legislators.

It complements a wide range of activities already included in the first Climate Delegated Act[3]. Far from labelling almost all natural gas and nuclear power as green, the Complementary Climate Delegated Act allows certain natural gas and nuclear energy activities, subject to strict criteria, to be included in the EU Taxonomy, as transitional activities, where they can accelerate the transition to a decarbonised energy system and away from dependency on fossil fuels.

For example, nuclear activities have to meet stringent safety and waste management requirements on top of demonstrating full compliance with the existing EU acquis, including clear deadlines for storage and disposal facilities to be operational.

Gas plants can only be recognised if they replace more highly emitting plants, achieving a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55%, and if they switch completely to renewable or low-carbon gases, by 2035 at the latest (among other requirements).

Furthermore, the Commission added clear disclosure requirements, allowing the market to easily identify nuclear and gas in investments and financial products, and make informed choices.

Last updated: 11 May 2022
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