Priority question for written answer P-006768/2020 to the Commission Rule 138 Tomas Tobé (PPE), (PPE), Jessica Polfjärd (PPE), Jörgen Warborn (PPE), (PPE), (PPE)

Subject: Hydroelectic power requirements in the draft delegated act related to the Taxonomy Regulation

Sweden has one of the world’s most sustainable energy mixes, with most energy coming from hydroelectric and nuclear power. In the transition to a fossil-free society, we are seeing an increase in the demand for non-carbon electricity, which means that we need to keep our current energy sources and increase their quantity. Consequently, the draft delegated act that the Commission presented on 20 November 2020, in which the approach is no longer technology-neutral and hydroelectric power faces stricter requirements than, for example, solar and wind power, would have severe consequences for the Swedish power supply.

The hydroelectric power requirements also go further than they do in the current EU legislation. Therefore, the Commission is acting in a manner that is contrary to the existing legislation.

The results from this delegated act could be catastrophic if the requirements for hydroelectric power are adopted, with 40 % of our energy mix deemed unsustainable, and few hydroelectric power stations would be able to continue their operations owing to the stricter requirements. It will also be more challenging for and the EU to reach their highly ambitious goals.

Why has the Commission departed from the principle of technology neutrality? Why is the Commission going further than the current Union legislation when it comes to hydroelectric power?

PE662.674v01-00