BRUSSELS, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Energy demand for European states is expected to spike as recessionary strains ease, creating need for a stronger energy policy, the European Commission said.
The commission said it aims to propose several key measures during the next 18 months that would help advance energy priorities for member states.
The measures are part of the so-called Energy 2020 plan. The plan was drafted in part to cut consumption by promoting energy efficiency for major infrastructure and in the transportation sector.
More than $1.3 trillion, meanwhile, is needed to upgrade what the commission described as a pan-European electrical grid. Offshore wind and solar projects could link to the grid if the electric network in Europe were modernized, the commission added.
By working as an integrated community, consumers would benefit because there would be more leverage when negotiating with potential energy suppliers.
"As energy demand is expected to rise quickly once the recession ends, the (Energy 2020) strategy aims to prevent shortages and support economic growth," the commission said.
