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Tag: PRC

European Commission Solar Energy Strategy
· SpectrumTagged , , , · Nestor, 5B4AHZ

IARU R1 PRC in conjunction with the Region’s EMC Committee has submitted a paper to a recent European Commission Call for Evidence with respect to Solar Energy Strategy. Solar energy systems, which include Solar PV, are a progressive technology whose use is to be encouraged. However, there are certain caveats to be noted in deployment and on-going use.

IARU concerns are not with solar technology per se but with the potential pollution from so-called optimizers. The paper that was submitted detailed elements of the on-going research and monitoring by the EMC Committee in this area.

The paper is available here.

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PRC/RSPG Activities
· SpectrumTagged , , · Nestor, 5B4AHZ

RSPG, the Radio Spectrum Policy Group, is a high-level advisory group that assists the European Commission in the development of radio spectrum policy.

IARU Region 1 PRC participated in an RSPG Stakeholder Workshop at the beginning of December 2021. The online event had in the region of 130 participants. The outgoing Chair of RSPG Mr Frank Krüger reviewed progress and deliverables in the RSPG Work Programme for 2020 and beyond. The headings included Peer Review/Good Offices, Climate Change (a new topic for RSPG), Spectrum Sharing and Strategic Spectrum Aspects (including a new Radio Spectrum Policy and a targeted consultation on the 2030 Digital Compass).

Incoming Chair Mr Eric Fournier pointed to the Public Consultation on the Draft Work Programme for 2022 and beyond.

This document is available on the RSPG website here. IARU PRC has commented on the document as part of the Public Consultation process and the IARU document may be viewed here.

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Study on the evaluation of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU (EMCD)
· SpectrumTagged , , · Nestor, 5B4AHZ

The Final Report on the Study on the evaluation of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU (EMCD) has now been published. The report in English running to 358 pages makes interesting reading. It is publicly available, free of charge, from the Publications Office of the European Union here.

IARU and individual radio amateurs provided input through interviews and written submissions. 

The study’s main objective was to support an evaluation of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (Directive 2014/30/EU) (“the EMCD”) by the European Commission’s DG GROW. The study has assessed five key evaluation criteria, namely the Directive’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance (including fitness for purpose), coherence and EU added value. The EMCD has not previously been evaluated, and after almost 30 years without major modifications, it was therefore timely to consider the extent to which the Directive overall – and the essential requirements in particular – have achieved their objectives, and done so efficiently and effectively. Beyond the five key evaluation criteria mentioned above, an overarching issue – linked to relevance – was to consider if the EMCD has remained fit for purpose.

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Ecodesign – European Commission to examine need for new rules on environmental impact of photovoltaics
· SpectrumTagged , , · Nestor, 5B4AHZ

IARU R1 PRC responded recently to a European Commission Roadmap on the environmental impact of photovoltaics. The radio spectrum is an important finite natural resource which must be protected. While PV technology of itself is to be welcomed, the IARU submission pointed out the inherent problems of non-compliant installations, particularly the installation or retro-fitting of optimisers which can produce significant spectrum pollution for very limited efficiency increase.

The Roadmap and responses may be viewed on the Commission website here or on this website on the PRC Responses to Public and Other Consultations page.

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Recent PRC Activity
· SpectrumTagged , · Nestor, 5B4AHZ

The IARU Region‑1 Political Relations Committee (PRC) has responded to two recent European Commission consultations to promote the amateur radio viewpoint. In the case of the consultation on ‘Designing mobile phones and tablets to be sustainable – ecodesign’ the PRCdecided that the most appropriate response was in the form of a written submission.

In the second instance, the consultation on the Delegated Act under the RED on the subject of ‘Internet-connected radio equipment and wearable radio equipment’, the IARU response was one of 26 received by the Commission.

The Delegated Act aims at strengthening the security of internet-connected devices, most of which are expected to be part of the Internet of Things, and of wearable radio equipment. However IARU has concerns as to how the Act will be implemented and how it might affect amateur radio.

The PRC is always looking for new members to help to join the team and contribute to its work. Why not contact the Chair, Séamus EI8BP?

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