CEN and CENELEC have developed a position paper on the proposed Net-Zero Industry Act. This document has been written in response to the consultation launched by the European Commission on 20 March 2023. CEN and CENELEC believe that European standards will be a vital tool to meet the high ambitions of increasing strategic net-zero technology production in Europe set by the Net-Zero Industry Act.
CEN and CENELEC welcome the proposal to foster clean technology production in Europe. At the same time, they ask that it considers the importance of European and international standardization, the need for a comprehensive approach towards greening the electrical system, and the strengthening of linkages between Net-Zero initiatives and standardization initiatives by the European Commission.
European Standards (ENs) are a proven tool to support EU legislation, in such cases known as Harmonized Standards (hENs), and to promote innovation in all corners of the European Single Market. ENs are designed in a transparent, open, and expert-driven system that responds to the specific needs of industry while considering broader social and environmental goals.
CEN and CENELEC look forward to working with the Commission to ensure that the role of standardization is duly considered for the implementation of Net-Zero Industry Act. Specifically, CEN and CENELEC:
- Invite the Commission to ensure that ongoing work on related standardization requests is not overlooked. Any standardization requests foreseen under this proposal should consider the Annual Union Work Programme on Standardization 2023/2024 to prevent duplication of work and delays in standards production.
- Call on the Commission to tackle the challenges posed by an “All Electric Society” and join forces with CEN and CENELEC to meet the Green Deal Industrial Plan ambitious goals.
- Recommend that the Commission examines the potential to integrate training on standardization and the use of standards to support Europe’s transition to net-zero emissions into the Net-Zero Skills academy.
- Ask that the Net-Zero Europe Platform considers the work of the EU High-Level Forum on Standardization to promote synergies between these fora and prevent duplication of work.
The text of CEN and CENELEC’s response as submitted can be found on the website of the European Commission here.
