Press Release: Commission welcomes Council’s support to accelerate energy technologies for a low-carbon future

Energy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs welcomed Member States' strong support for the Strategic Energy Technology plan, adopted on 22 November last. In the debate that followed the presentation of the Vision Paper prepared by the Portuguese presidency, Member States underlined that energy technologies will be crucial to successfully fighting against climate change and securing world and European energy supply. 'The challenges of climate change, security of supply and competitiveness will only be met if the right technologies are available in good time. The Commission will substantially increase its financial support for research in new energy technologies. I encourage Member States and industry to follow this path', said Commissioner Piebalgs.