Opinión

EU Green Deal – A key opportunity to address climate change in a comprehensive manner

On 11 December, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the European Green Deal as “a new growth strategy that aims to transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use.”

UPEI, Europe’s Independent Fuel Suppliers, adheres to the initiative and welcomes the communication emphasis on creating synergies across sectors and making a consistent use of all policy levers to deliver on Europe’s climate ambition.

Cécile Nourigat, UPEI Secretary General, underlines, however that “all solutions are needed to ensure an effective transition to carbon neutrality, therefore technology neutrality should be at the centre of the EU Green Deal to maximise emission cuts, at the lowest cost with the best use of our resources.”

The sector endorses the Commission’s view that the transition must be just and inclusive, and look forward to more details on the financing mechanisms envisaged, in support of both citizens and companies, in particular SMEs, operating in Europe.

UPEI members are fully committed to provide flexible, affordable and clean energy to the consumer, to meet Europe’s short- and long-term climate objectives. They can channel the transition, as critical elements of the connecting tissue that keeps the energy and mobility systems in operation. In a context where renewable energy production will become more diversified and decentralised, independent fuel suppliers have a major role to play in bringing these energies to the end users. The contribution and the recommendations of the sector are further detailed in UPEI 2050 vision.

We look forward to cooperating further with European institutions in the development of the various initiatives announced today.

UPEI represents nearly 2,000 European importers and wholesale/retail distributors of energy for the transport and heating sectors, supplying Europe’s customers independently of the major energy producers. They are the interface between producers and consumers, using their own infrastructure and flexibility to supply existing demand for conventional and renewable liquid fuels, as well as non-liquid alternatives as part of the energy transition. They cover more than a third of Europe’s current demand. The organization brings together national associations and suppliers across Europe.

Independent fuel suppliers bring competition to Europe’s energy market and are able to respond rapidly to changes affecting supply, contributing to security on a local, national and regional level. They have developed and maintain a comprehensive infrastructure for the sourcing, storage and distribution of transport and heating fuels, with a commitment to delivering a high quality service to all consumers, including those in remote areas.

Since 1962 UPEI has been advocating for a level playing field and fair competition to ensure an affordable, sustainable and secure energy supply for Europe’s consumers. Today, in the context of the transition to a low carbon economy, UPEI and its members are also addressing the challenges of adapting the product range and meeting consumer demand through market oriented solutions.

With its strong track record in pioneering the supply of renewable fuels in the EU, UPEI’s members remain committed to delivering and embracing new, cost effective solutions which further promote energy efficiency and reduce pollutants and emissions.