A truly Europeanized energy Policy until 2020: The consumer perspective

Speakers: Hubert Mandery, Cefic Director-General and Renso Zwiers, President Fertilizers Europe 

Energy has a substantial impact on the global competitiveness of the European Chemical and Fertilizers industry. These industries will face high ETS compliance costs compared to other manufacturing sectors – both inside and outside the European Union. These costs will be even greater as a result of indirect emissions through electricity consumption. Additionally, the European Commission estimates the costs for infrastructure investments to the EU’s economy at €1 trillion, mainly due to the rising amount of energy produced from renewable sources. 

Hubert Mandery (Cefic Director-General) and Renso Zwiers (President Fertilizers Europe) discussed with the audience about how can we achieve the 20-20-20 targets without putting Europe’s competitiveness at risk. In particular, the highest energy intensive sectors such as fertilizers face the real threat of carbon leakage. A true evaluation of the impact of all different political instruments is essential. Only an open and constructive dialogue will ensure that together we achieve the European energy goals that deliver a true benefit for the energy consumer namely security of supply, competitiveness and sustainability.