A. Conclusions of the committee
(open)
The Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and
Regional Affairs congratulates the Committee on Economic Affairs
and Development, especially its rapporteur, Mr Melčák, on having
examined the issue of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the context
of energy security in Europe.
It does, however, regret that greater consideration was not
given to environmental aspects. The committee considers it necessary
and important to analyse and take account of the environmental impact
of measures to reinforce energy security.
B. Proposed amendments to the draft resolution
(open)
Amendment A (to the draft resolution)
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 8.5, insert the following
sub-paragraph:
“ensure that the
additional burden placed on European transport routes (waterways,
etc.) by the increase in traffic generated by transporting LNG does
not have adverse effects on the environment, which are ultimately
liable to counter the strategic advantages which were initially
sought;”
Amendment B (to the draft resolution)
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 8.5, insert the following
sub-paragraph:
“ensure that increased
use of liquid natural gas would not result in an overall increase
in the use of fossil fuels;”
Amendment C (to the draft resolution)
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 8, insert the following
paragraph:
“The Assembly decides
to consider the issue of energy security in Europe in the light
of environmental protection.”
C. Explanatory memorandum by Mr Ünal,
rapporteur for opinion
(open)
1. As already mentioned in the report of the Committee
on Economic Affairs and Development, it is important to diversify
energy technologies and supplies and to secure better co-ordinated
energy policies across Europe in order to improve energy security
throughout the continent.
2. In this context, special importance is attached to developing
LNG systems, in view of the energy crisis arising from the instability
of pipeline supplies from gas sources in Russia. The report by the
Committee on Economic Affairs and Development rightly points out
that LNG systems could serve not only as a complementary element
in the event of unexpected failures of conventional energy supplies
but also as a strategic part of the European energy system, in addition
to introducing new supply sources and routes for pipeline gas.
3. The fact that LNG is a non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-flammable
and non-explosive gas, which evaporates quickly in the event of
accidental spillage, is a considerable argument in favour of intensifying
its use. In fact, since state-of-the-art technologies are used for
liquefaction, storage for transport and re-gasification, there are
no major risks in these areas.
4. Nevertheless, it is vital to take account of the side effects
of such a development on the environment. Using rail, road and especially
waterways to transport LNG entails certain environmental hazards,
including increased traffic, which leads to increased air pollution.
5. Of course, the choice to intensify the transport of gas in
liquefied form corresponds to strategic needs and would greatly
boost energy security in many countries. Nevertheless, in the current
context of combating climate change, the advantages of such a choice
should be weighed against the drawbacks which it would cause at
other levels, namely greenhouse gas emissions.
6. In the light of the above comments, the Committee on the Environment,
Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs considers that urgent
discussions are needed on the issue of energy security in Europe
and its impact on the environment.
