Economic Recovery: Second batch of 4-billion-euro package goes to 43 pipeline and electricity projects

José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, said: “Under the EU’s Recovery Plan we finance ’smart investment’ – a short-term stimulus targeted on long-term goals. Investing in key infrastructure will not only give a push to the economy and employment, but it will also help ensuring that citizens homes will have heating and electricity, even in the event of supply disruptions. We have learnt the lessons of the recent gas crisis which is one of the reasons why we decided to allocate major financial assistance to new energy infrastructure projects“.

Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner responsible for Energy said: “Never before has the Commission agreed such an important amount for energy projects. We have selected key projects which will help creating a more integrated energy network in Europe ensuring flexible energy flows across Member States’ borders. Europe’s energy and climate objectives require large and risky infrastructure investments with long pay-back times. The problem is that, in today’s economic climate, such projects risk to be delayed. This is a moment where Europe can play an important role in keeping these projects on track“.

Today’s Commission decision grants € 910 million for 12 electricity interconnection projects and € 1,390 million for 31 gas pipeline projects. The projects selected today will help to deliver major investment projects which were at risk of major delay because of the economic slowdown. By co-financing parts of these projects up to 50% the EU contribution will help to lever up to 22 billion euros of private sector investment. The 2,3 billion Euro will be granted to project developers over the next 18 months.

The electricity and gas infrastructure projects selected reflect the energy priorities of the EU. These include the need to better interconnect all EU Member States and to reduce the isolation of remoter parts, such as the three Baltic States, Ireland and Malta. They also confirm the need for greater security of gas supplies by supporting projects for reverse flow in 9 Member States and the Nabucco and Galsi projects to diversify gas imports.

These investments will help stimulate employment and ensure the survival of many small businesses in the construction and services industries. They will make energy supplies more reliable for millions of people especially in the event of a supply crisis.

Background

In March 2009 the EU set aside €3.98 billion to assist European economic recovery.

With the Carbon Capture and Offshore Wind Projects which the Commission agreed to support on 9 December 2009, the budget for energy projects in the European energy Recovery Programme is 97 % committed.

The Commission will report to the European Council in March 2010.

The complete list of projects is annexed to this press release.