17107/12 FL/ne 1 DG E 2 A COU CIL OF THE EUROPEA U ... - Europa

(14) In the Communication on "Energy infrastructure priorities for 2020 and beyond – a Blueprint
for an integrated energy network" adopted in November 2010 12 , the Commission identified
the priority corridors, which are necessary to allow the Union to meet its ambitious energy
and climate targets by 2020 for completing the internal energy market, ensuring security of
supply, enabling the integration of renewable sources of energy and to prepare the networks
for further decarbonisation of the energy system beyond 2020.
(15) Major investments are needed to modernise and expand Europe's energy infrastructure and to
interconnect networks across borders to meet the Union's energy and climate policy objectives
of competitiveness, sustainability and security of supply in a cost-effective way. The
estimated investment needs in energy infrastructure up to 2020 amount to EUR 1 trillion, of
which ca. EUR 200 billion in electricity and gas transmission and storage infrastructures
considered of European relevance. Among projects of European relevance, approximately
EUR 100 billion of investments is at risk of not being delivered due to obstacles related to
permit granting, regulation and financing.
(16) The urgency to build the energy infrastructure of the future and the significant increase in
investment volumes compared to past trends requires a step change in the way energy
infrastructure is supported at EU level. In its conclusions 13 the Transport, Telecommunication
and Energy (TTE) Council of 28 February 2011 endorsed the energy corridors as priorities for
Europe.
12 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions "Energy infrastructure
priorities for 2020 and beyond – a Blueprint for an integrated energy network", 17.11.2010,
COM(2010) 677 final.
13 Council document 6950/11.
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