On Monday 23 January, AmCham EU welcomed Philip Lowe, Director-General of DG Energy for January’s plenary meeting focusing on the 2050 Energy Roadmap. Lowe highlighted the importance of providing businesses and households with secure, sustainable, affordable energy for completing the internal market.

Speaking on the potentials and difficulties regarding new energy technologies, he said 'Energy policy is not only about climate change. Ensuring your energy supplies and staying competitive matter too. You must not think only of saving the world, but also of saving yourself'.

Explaining the necessity of a long term forecast in order to facilitate investments and allow for implementation was Birgitte Bay, Energy Attaché of the Permanent Representation of Denmark. Bay emphasised the need to reach an agreement now in order to allow individual nation states to lay the framework essential for future compliance. The panel member’s comments emphasised the need for continued innovation, transforming existing energies and novel ones into a cohesive, lasting system.

Mr Lowe’s speech was preceded by a panel discussion on European energy competitiveness. Moderating the spirited dialogue was Jerôme Bandry, Chair of AmCham EU’s Transport & Energy Committee. Jonas Teusch, Researcher, CEPS, outlined the necessity for transnational energy infrastructure and highlighted the need for a diverse energy mix. Focusing on the implications for business and competitiveness was Jennifer Linker, EU Advisor, Public & Government Affairs, ExxonMobil. Linker commented on the importance of utilising all types of energy and investigating emerging technologies that could be potential ‘game-changers’.