ALTENER programme for Community renewable energy sources: ECSC opinion An Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee, meeting at its 301st plenary session of 24.11.1992, on the Commission's proposal for a Council Decision concerning the promotion of renewable energy sources in the community (COM(92) 180 of 20.5.1992) notes that these fiscal and... An Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee, meeting at its 301st plenary session of 24.11.1992 on the Commission's proposal for a Council Decision concerning the promotion of renewable energy sources in the community (COM(92) 180 of 20.5.1992) notes that these fiscal and non-fiscal measures form part of the Community action programme ALTENER, 1993-1997, and include action in three complementary fields; - Continuation and strengthening of RTD activities in renewable energy sources under the JOULE and THERMIE programmes; - Introduction of a Community energy/CO2 tax which should help increase the competitiveness of renewables; - Accompanying measures designed to draw maximum commercial benefit from RTD and demonstration efforts in this field and to create an environment favourable to their increased market penetration. Inter alia, the Committee has on numerous occasions endorsed the increased development of renewable energy resources, and has also frequently questioned the political will of the Member States to create the conditions which would allow such sources to make an effective contribution to Community energy supplies. It reiterates its support for the initiative but notes that the proposed programme objectives cannot be achieved unless they fit in with the framework of other Community sectoral policies which directly affect the attainment of these objectives. The Committee also urges that the new, favourable national actions will be reflected in increased financial support for research, development and demonstration activities in the renewable field. Other topics considered include: Renewable energy sources and economic and social cohesion; electricity production in the context of the internal energy market; biomass and biofuels; thermal solar energy. The ECSC approves the proposal provided that account is taken of comments and proposed amendments and additions set out in the body of the Opinion.
