Proposal for a COUNCIL DIRECTIVE repealing Directive 75/405/EEC concerning the restriction of the use of petroleum products in power stations

Proposal for a Council Directive repealing Directive 75/405/EEC concerning the restriction of the use of petroleum products in power stations (96/C 272/10) COM(96) 320 final - 96/0175(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission on 11 July 1996) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 103a thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee,

Whereas this Directive was adopted in order to place an obligation on the Member States to require prior authorization by their authorities for the construction or conversion of oil-fired power stations;

Whereas it was adopted in the wake of the oil crisis in the 1970s to contribute towards the Community's central objective of limiting oil imports and improving security of supply;

Whereas the current situation on the energy market is considerably different from the situation prior to the oil crisis in the 1970s;

Whereas electricity generators should be given greater flexibility with regard to fuel supplies on economically favourable terms and greater latitude should be provided for the possible return to operation of certain biofuel-fired units,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

Article 1

Directive 75/405/EEC is hereby repealed.

Article 2

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.