I am grateful for this opportunity to write
an introductory column for the new eceee web site. I welcome this
opportunity for an exchange of views on the subject on energy
efficiency, which has become one of the corner stones of the European
energy policy.
Energy efficiency and energy savings are the
only policy options that at the same time can increase our security of
energy supply, increase our competitiveness and respect our
environmental commitments. It is the quickest and cheapest way to
reduce CO2 emissions.
This is why, since the beginning of my
mandate as Commissioner, energy efficiency has become one of my
absolute priorities. In June 2005, the Commission adopted a Green Paper
on Energy Efficiency which indicates ways in which the European Union
could save, in a cost effective manner, some 20% of its energy
consumption by 2020. This is equivalent to € 60 billion per year, or
the present combined energy consumption of Germany and Finland.
Most
of the calculations on the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency
measures were made on the assumption that the price of oil was around
30 $ per barrel. But since the adoption of the Green Paper, the urgency
to act on energy efficiency has only increased with the quite
unprecedented leap in oil prices. Our growth perspectives have been
affected by the growing cost of energy. Therefore, boosting energy
efficiency will be good for economic growth and job creation. Increased
energy efficiency and the Lisbon Agenda are inextricably linked.
This
sector is characterised by a large number of small and medium sized
enterprises. An active policy in energy efficiency will not only serve
the energy needs of the European Union, but will also support a sector
in which Europe is leader and has an enormous potential for growth,
creating many jobs in the process.
The Green Paper indicates
which options are open to exploit the potential of energy savings. The
options embrace all sectors - production and end-use, industry and
services, households and buildings, transport and international
relations and they concern all stakeholders.
The Green Paper was
the point of departure for a broad debate involving all energy
consumers. The Heads of States and Governments asked the Commission
last year to put forward a comprehensive energy policy. This has been
done by the Green Paper on a European Strategy for Secure, Competitive
and Sustainable Energy, which was discussed at the European Council in
March this year. The Heads of States and Governments asked the
Commission as a matter of urgency to bring forward an Action Plan on
Energy Efficiency. The Commission is currently analysing the
stakeholder responses provided in the public debate, and undertaking an
impact assessment in the field. It will come forward with the Action
Plan as soon as this work has been finished.
There is a huge
potential to save energy. Some of the actions will represent very easy
gains; some of them will need longer time for preparation and for
return on initial investment. At this moment, when more Europeans -
both institutions and citizens - are experimenting difficulties with
the high price of energy, Europe needs to take urgent action in this
area.
Legislative measures alone will not be enough to make
real change. We need a new culture of energy efficiency in which
companies and individuals adopt new habits. Such a culture can only be
achieved by disseminating the necessary information. For that purpose
web sites such as this are going to play a capital role.
Andris Piebalgs is European Commissioner for Energy
Visit Mr Piebalgs' personal web site.
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The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of eceee as an organisation.
