Energy Efficiency

Reducing energy consumption and eliminating energy wastage are among the main goals of the European Union (EU). There is significant potential for reducing consumption, especially in energy-intensive sectors such as construction, manufacturing, energy conversion and transport. At the end of 2006, the EU’s Energy Efficiency Action Plan pledged to cut annual consumption of primary energy by 20% by 2020. It was estimated that making such energy savings would allow Europe to reduce its CO2 emissions by 780 million tonnes and save €100 billion in fuel costs.

In March 2011, the European Commission launched the new Energy Efficiency Plan. Main relevant messages contained:

• Greatest energy saving potential lies in buildings – focus on instruments to trigger renovation in public and private buildings and to improve energy performance of components and appliances used in them
• Two-step approach in energy efficiency target setting: (1) indicative targets set by member states in their energy efficiency plans, (2) EC assessment of results towards the European 20% objective – if this is unlikely to be reached, then legally binding national targets for 2020 will be introduced
• Renovation of public buildings to set the example
• Renovation rate of buildings is too low, as is the uptake of the most efficient appliances – need to overcome barriers; EC invites member states to establish promotion systems for private buildings
• Need to address heat consumption in buildings – EC to explore solutions including use of district heating in urban areas

Main aspects covered by specific energy efficiency legislation are:

• Energy efficiency in buildings – EPBD
• Cogeneration
• Eco-design
• Energy labeling
• Energy efficiency directive

Related news:

16 May 2011 - IEA Roadmap on energy-efficient heating and cooling

10 June 2011 - Energy Council conclusions on Energy Efficiency Plan

22 June 2011 - EC officially launches Energy Efficiency Directive proposal

4 July 2011 - Launch of European Energy Efficiency Fund