Speaking Points for Commissioner Potočnik VELA-7 Opening press conference 13 march 09

Transcription

1 Speaking Points for Commissioner Potočnik VELA-7 Opening press conference 13 march 09 Good morning, [1] I'm really happy and proud to inaugurate today the new JRC laboratory dedicated to controlling CO2 emissions of trucks. This laboratory will contribute, as the existing facility already does through its testing of cars' CO2 emissions, to one of the Commission's major political objectives: fighting climate change. Let's face it: this new research centre is already a success: You've travelled to Ispra from all across Europe just to visit it and the programme does not even include a ski trip in the mountains! All joking aside, allow me to welcome the presence of the President of Lombardy Region, Mister Formigoni. The new laboratory, named VELA 7, is indeed a co-production of the European Commission and the Lombardy Region.

2 [2] As I mentioned, you all know that the fight against climate change and for energy efficiency is one of the major achievements of this Commission. We secured an agreement to the energy and climate change package and have adopted a large number of regulations and directives to implement it. The Commission has been particularly active in greening road transport to reduce the impact on environment and on human health and to improve the security of energy supply. In that respect, the JRC provided technically and scientifically sound, independent "in-house" expertise regarding vehicle emissions. This expertise played a crucial role in the preparation of the regulations. There is no denying that the road transport industry needs to evolve. The figures speak for themselves: o Transport accounts for 25% of CO2 emissions overall, largely due to road transport. o There is a shortage predicted in energy carriers based on crude oil: 73% of all oil consumed is Europe is used in transport and current estimates predict a doubling of passenger cars within the next 20 years. So, we need to increase the energy efficiency of our vehicles and develop alternative energy sources.

3 o And let's recall one striking reality: heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and lorries, are also major emitters of CO2. The EU has adopted a regulation on CO2 emissions of cars last December, and now it is time to work on CO2 emissions of trucks and heavyduty vehicles. However, today we only have a vague knowledge of how much CO2 a whole heavy-duty truck emits in real operation. There is a rising need to be able to measure emissions from real-life heavy duty vehicles. The new laboratory that we are opening today comes at precisely the right time. It completes the range of VELA laboratories already existing at the JRC. They enable our researchers to characterise the polluting and greenhouse-gas emissions of all types of road and non-road vehicles, from small scooters to 40-ton trucks. It will be a key piece of equipment to enable the Commission to move ahead in this area. I won't get into the details of this new laboratory, as our experts will soon explain everything you ever wanted to know about it.

4 [3] Returning to the global picture, this kind of scientific stateof-the-art facility undoubtedly contributes to our general political objective of building a knowledge-based and lowcarbon economy: this is more urgent than ever in our troubled times. The European and national recovery plans emphasise that Research and innovation are essential for addressing the economic crisis on a short-term and longterm perspective. We not only have to find immediate solutions, but we also must keep in mind the fact that the challenges we were already facing before the crisis are still there, namely the competitiveness of our economy and the fight against climate change! Investing strategically in Research and innovation will contribute to the development of innovative technologies and high-quality knowledge that will lead to new jobs and growth: it will help the EU economy to emerge from the crisis stronger and more competitive. I hope that, during the coming Spring Council, Heads of State and governments will strongly stress the importance of Research and innovation for the economic recovery, as well as for environmental protection.

5 Let me finish by saying "thank you for your good job" to our technicians and scientists who brought this new installation into timely operation. I'm sure it is a surprise for you to see the new face of the Commission: there are not only "grey suits" but also "white lab coats"!