EUSAIR flagships defined within Pillar 2 – Connecting the Region, subgroup Energy Networks

The video conference meetings of National and Pillar Coordinators to discuss and confirm the flagships to be embedded into the IPA/ESIF programming documents started on 26 May 2020 with Pillar 3 - Environmental Quality and Pillar 2 - Connecting the Region/subgroup Transport, continued on 29 May 2020 with the second round of debates on the flagships prepared by Pillar 4 - Sustainable Tourism and Pillar 1 -  Blue Growth, and closed up with today's presentations of Pillar 2 - Connecting the Region/subgroup Energy Networks.

Pillar 2 - Connecting the Region/subgroup Energy Networks is proposing 3 flagships as solutions for 3 challenges of macro-regional importance consistent with national needs as well as with the EU policy objectives no. 2 and no. 3 for a greener, low-carbon and more connected Europe. Countries will meet concrete actions at national level to follow common goal/solutions for the region.

F1 - Power networks and market for a green Adriatic-Ionian region: The goal is at expanding and interconnecting national power systems, creating power market coupling while exploring opportunities for large-scale deployment of low-carbon energy sources and grid digitalisation

F2 - Integrated natural gas corridors and market for a green Adriatic-Ionian region: The goal is at expanding and interconnecting national gas systems promoting security of gas supplies while exploiting opportunities for gas storage and counterflows towards an efficient gas trading hub.

F3 - Development and operation of logistics for direct LNG use as a clean fuel for the Adriatic-Ionian region: The development of small-scale direct LNG use is contributing to a more secure, competitive and sustainable energy system through the Adriatic-Ionian Region. The deployment of small-scale LNG in the transport and other sectors will cope with two challenges consisting of cleaner environment and climate change. The need for a shared logistic infrastructure and harmonised regulatory standards should be addressed according an integrated approach. Closer according an integrated approach. Closer cooperation between EUSAIR member governments, LNG suppliers and users association at macro-regional level would boost competitiveness and investment.

The contribution of Thematic Steering Group 2/subgroup Energy Networks was apprised by the participants of the meeting.