Energy

Policy areas / Climate & Energy / Energy

Energy

20 to 35% = the share of energy costs in the
total operating costs, in normal times.

In brief

To ensure a reliable supply of energy and to keep prices affordable, the European Union (EU) aims to build a more integrated, competitive European energy market (an “Energy Union”). The EU also supports energy from renewable sources and the efficient use of energy, both of which help to cut greenhouse emissions.

Why is it important

Glass fibre manufacturing is an energy intensive activity performed at very high temperature in a continuous process which cannot be interrupted. Therefore, the security of energy supply and the affordability of energy are paramount to the viability of the continuous filament glass fibre sector and its supply chain.
As a key material provider to the wind energy industry, the sector is supporting measures for the deployment of renewables in Europe. Glass fibres are also used in photovoltaic panels backing and framings, and in hydrogen tanks.

Our view

The European Union needs to secure the availability of abundant and competitive energy, and where possible to operate an energy switch to carbon neutral energy to support the transition to a climate neutral economy. The industry supports the following priorities:
– Ensure the security of energy supply.
– Moderate the energy costs to the industry.
– Support and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources.

Supporting documents