EUROPEAN ENERGY SECTOR FOCUSES ON SINGLE ELECTRIC MARKET AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

摘要

Although the European Union (EU) has been slow in developing a single electric supply market new EU mandates are expected to speed up this integration. In addition, by promoting the use of renewable energy the EU might well become the global leader in the reduction of emissions from power plants. As of February 19, 1999 a EU directive opened up a single market for electricity within the member countries. Under the directive all large and medium sized purchasers of electricity are able to choose their supplies from any country in the EU. The EU countries are: Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Greece, France, Finland, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom.