Union Française de l'électricité

UFE welcomes the Commissions initiative to introduce an Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act. As 47% of the industrial energy demand is dedicated to heat production, which still relies heavily on fossil fuels, accelerating industrial decarbonisation is a prerequisite for reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

Please find below UFEs proposals concerning nuclear and hydropower activities in relation to the Technical Screening Criteria set out in the EU Taxonomy Climate DA. High-level radioactive waste: Economic activities 4.26, 4.27 & 4.28, article 1 (f) require that The Member State has a documented plan with detailed steps to have in operation, by 2050, a disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste.

The Union of French Electricity (UFE) supports the development of a post-2030 EU climate and energy framework that is outcome-oriented, cost-effective, investment-friendly and system-consistent. It should prioritise the achievement of overall decarbonisation objectives through a systemic approach, rather than rely on siloed technology-specific targets.

UFE supports the principle underlying the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, as it aims to preserve the competitiveness of European industry and to prevent carbon leakage, in a context of increased climate ambition at European level. However, in the case of electricity imports, UFE has identified two main issues that should be addressed with regard to the carbon price paid in a third country.

UFE supports the principle underlying the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which aims to preserve the competitiveness of European industry and prevent carbon leakage, in a context of increased climate ambition at European level. In this mechanism, the emission factor represents the carbon content in the price of electricity.

UFE welcomes the Commissions initiative to introduce a Grid Package. A robust and resilient electricity network is essential for the electrification of uses and a key enabler of the low-carbon transition. Enhancing grid planning To ensure effective network planning at EU level, grid operators in cooperation with ENTSO-E and the DSO Entity play an essential role in the TYNDP.

UFE welcomes the upcoming revision of the Energy Security Framework. Priority should be given to implementation, as several of these regulations have only recently entered into force or are about to be adopted. Any initiative aimed at revising existing frameworks should primarily seek to strengthen coordination. UFE advocates for the Smart streamlining (policy option 1).

UFE would like to thank the European Commission for the opportunity to share its analysis of the proposed draft regulation aimed at harmonising procedures for accessing the data required to switch electricity supplier within the EU. Legislation currently in force in France already meets the requirements set out in this draft regulation.