I represented the United Kingdom at the EU informal Energy Council in Seville on 15 January 2010.

The council began with a wide-ranging discussion on the possible contents of a new energy action plan (due in early 2010). Debate focused in particular on two areas highlighted by the presidency’s questions—the internal market and low-carbon technologies—as well as the need to diversify further the routes and sources of EU energy supplies and ensure consumers were protected.

Discussions on the internal market focused in particular on interconnection and how to ensure the investment that will be required. Member states referred, among other things, to implementation of the third internal energy market package and the role of the Agency for Co-ordination of Energy Regulators (ACER).

On low-carbon technologies, renewables and smart grids were consistent themes. Some member states supported specific cross-border projects such as the Mediterranean solar plan and the North Seas offshore grid initiative. Other technologies where it was felt EU action might be useful included: electric cars, biomass (in particular developing sustainability criteria) and carbon capture and storage. Most member states also referred to the importance of energy efficiency.

Ministers visited the Abengoa solar plant over lunch. This was followed by presentations on the EU’s strategic energy technologies (SET) plan and on domestic solar energy, biomass and electric vehicles policy from member states. The UK made a short presentation on domestic carbon capture and storage.

The Spanish presidency concluded that there was strong support for progress on an EU energy action plan, as well as further work on the SET plan, during its presidency.

In the evening, Ministers attended a joint dinner with Environment Ministers, although there was no formal agenda.