EC proposes to fine tune energy use

Oct. 2, 1995
European Commission has approved a plan designed to encourage electricity utilities to choose primary fuels strictly on economic merit. The move also aims to encourage electrical power consumers to reduce demand. EC reckons its proposed directive will reduce Europe's present primary energy consumption by 4-8%, saving 10-20 billion ECUs ($7.7-15.4 billion)/year in fossil fuel imports. The commission also hopes better use of electricity will avoid a need for 40-80 million kw of new generating

European Commission has approved a plan designed to encourage electricity utilities to choose primary fuels strictly on economic merit.

The move also aims to encourage electrical power consumers to reduce demand.

EC reckons its proposed directive will reduce Europe's present primary energy consumption by 4-8%, saving 10-20 billion ECUs ($7.7-15.4 billion)/year in fossil fuel imports.

The commission also hopes better use of electricity will avoid a need for 40-80 million kw of new generating capacity to be built, saving 80-160 billion ECUs ($61.5-123 billion) in capital costs.

EC said the proposed directive will set out a framework under which member states can develop plans to mobilize their utilities to yield environmental and economic gains.

The commission also adopted 209 research projects under its Brite-EuRam III program. Among the projects slated for development are:

  • Lownox, under which 26 partners from eight countries will work to reduce pollutant emissions from aircraft engines.

  • Surena, under which five partners will develop a technology to reduce the sulfur content of gasoline by 40% without detriment to industry.

  • Lepocut, a program aimed at eliminating use of lubricants in manufacturing through development of a new generation of machine tools.

The 209 projects share a budget of 402 million ECUs ($310 million). The commission expects to study a further list of potential projects this month, including one to develop a "car of the future."