EU energy efficiency paper comes closer

The outlines of a forthcoming EU green, or discussion paper on energy efficiency have begun to emerge, amid increasing signs that energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs intends to make greater efficiency a top political goal. In recent speeches, he has suggested setting a European target of saving a further 70 m tonnes oil equivalent (mtoe) per annum by 2010.

The paper is expected out in as little as a few weeks. A meeting of national energy efficiency experts discussed ideas for inclusion. Participants were told that EU energy consumption could be stabilised at 2005 levels of around 1,100 mtoe per year, in a “best case” scenario. This would require not only full implementation of existing policies, such as the eco-design of energy-using products and buildings directives, but also new measures such as taxation and public procurement.

This means that the best case scenario would translate to a 20 percent improvement in energy efficiency from 2005 levels by 2020. A 2000 energy efficiency action plan aimed for an 18 percent improvement in energy efficiency was produced from a 1990 baseline through voluntary industry agreements, but has received little attention since. Mr Piebalgs looks likely to press for most actions to be driven by member states rather than the EU. EU member states are currently working on reports highlighting their own best practice experience.