Hydropower use in the EU

Question for written answer  E-001493/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Maria Noichl (S&D)

The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), adopted in 2000, requires EU Member States to bring all bodies of water up to a good ecological and chemical status by 2027 at the latest. The Fitness Check published in December 2019 as part of the assessment of the WFD contained sweeping generalisations that could be regarded as an attack on hydropower use. In Bavaria, hydropower accounts for 30% of renewable energy generation. It is base load-capable and many of the power plants are publicly owned. Many local authorities fear that a concerted assault on this form of electricity generation has now been launched, giving rise to uncertainty and discouraging investment.

• 1.Does the Commission intend to send a clear signal from Brussels on the need for a balanced debate at national level about the objectives for the energy transition and in the areas of water and climate protection, and how they can be achieved, and resolve the uncertainties surrounding hydropower?
• 2.Does the Commission regard the new generation of hydropower plants (e.g. with fish ladders) as consistent with the requirement of the Green Deal, and does it intend to put forward a balanced assessment of the factors involved in the energy transition and water and climate protection which seeks to make hydropower an integral part of the energy mix?