Suez: EU energy policy and single regulator needed

Suez has called for a common energy policy and single regulator in Europe, though it accepts this may take time.

Suez has called for a common energy policy and single regulator in Europe, though it accepts this may take time.

Chief executive Gerard Mestrallet also continued to oppose plans by the European Commission to separate energy production and transport networks.

Speaking at a press briefing, Mr Mestrallet said: "We need to go further in the creation of a big European energy market.

"I am in favour of a single regulator. This would be gradual with a common regulator (supervising national regulators) and then a single regulator."

He added that the rules should be the same and that the energy industry needs a "single cop" if it is to be a "big market".

"We don't know what Europe's long-term vision is on electricity production ... For the moment, it's as if everyone is acting in a scattered way," he said

According to Suez, Europe could set more ambitious targets to tackle global warming if it accepts nuclear power as a carbon emission-free energy source.