Measuring savings target fulfilment in the proposed Directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy services (COM(2003)0739). Developing a framework for a harmonised measurement scheme for energy efficiency improvements in the EU

Randall Bowie and Håvard Vaggen Malvik, European Commission

Keywords

measurement and verification, bottom-up, top-down, energy savings, energy efficiency, energy services, harmonisation, methodology, targets, EU, directive, white certificates, emission trading, accuracy, energy intensity, energy efficiency indicators

Abstract

The proposal for a Directive on Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services sets forth savings targets to be achieved by improved energy end-use efficiency. While most of the issues in the proposal have now been resolved, the proposed savings targets, their precise nature and how to measure them remain to be agreed. This paper presents concepts for a target measurement system that can be further developed into a common, harmonised methodology.

The purpose of this paper is to look at what we are measuring in the way of energy efficiency improvements, to consider the available tools and methods, and to propose common structures and concepts for a possible common methodology. Such a methodology should still allow for national methodological differences and for the use of existing national measurement systems to the extent possible.

We will consider current techniques being used in the Member States and elsewhere for measuring and verifying energy efficiency improvements. We will also look at their limitations and propose ways to overcome these.