Wind Power Package

Keypoints

The EESC:

• supports the Commission's efforts to strengthen the EU wind industry and promote wind power development in the bloc since there is growing pressure from international competitors such as China and since a strong EU wind industry is vital for environmental, economic and social well-being. For this, the grid infrastructure needs to be significantly expanded, modernised and digitalised and the corresponding storage infrastructure must be created. Wind Power should be seen as critical infrastructure, with all corresponding privileges and due diligence obligations;

• regrets that the Action Plan does not recognise energy communities, energy cooperatives, and energy sharing as a form of extended prosumption despite their importance in social, economic and energy efficiency terms. Effective citizen participation should be included as the 7th pillar of the Wind Power Action Plan. Without that, social acceptance of the transition, and especially wind power, is at risk;

• recommends for high pre-qualification criteria to be applied to auctions to ensure that all bidders comply with security, occupational safety, collective bargaining, social and environmental requirements such as the need to promote a circular economy. Moreover, all relevant procedures, especially those relating to tenders and permits, urgently need to be fully digitalized and accelerated.