Brussels, Belgium —
The European Parliament’s industry committee voted today on the energy projects under the €5 billion EU economic recovery plan.
“MEPs have rightly acknowledged that projects like those on carbon capture and storage are unlikely to deliver in time for economic recovery. On the other hand, renewables and energy efficiency can create millions of jobs and are the true solution to climate change. It is therefore deplorable that the committee proposes to only redirect funds to energy efficiency and renewables if other projects have not started development by September 2010,” said Frauke Thies, Greenpeace EU energy policy campaigner.
“The Parliament’s plenary vote on the EU’s economic recovery plan should ensure that the creation of ‘smart cities’ based on renewables and energy efficiency are given the priority they deserve,” she continued.