The rule changes proposed by the Commission and backed by the committee create a financial instrument to support energy efficiency and renewable initiatives using uncommitted funds from the EERP. The funding should go only to measures that have a rapid, measurable and substantial impact on economic recovery, increased energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Funding of technical assistance to projects should be provided through public financial intermediaries, to maximise its impact in the short term, with the highest possible benefits on economic activity and job creation.
The types of projects that could be eligible for funding amounting to about €115 million (the final amount will be known by the end of 2010) are:
- investments in combined heat/power and district heating/cooling networks, in particular from renewable sources,
- decentralised renewable sources integrated in electrical grids,
- clean urban transport, with an emphasis on public transport and electrified and hydrogen vehicles, and
- efficient street lighting and outdoor lighting of public infrastructure, electricity storage solutions, smart metering, and smart grids.
The proposed rule changes were carried with 49 votes in favour, none against and 4 abstentions. They should be put to a vote by Parliament as a whole in Strasbourg in October.