RSS FeedEU energy efficiency plan review options outlined
(15 Jun 09) The European Commission has drawn up a list of "priority issues" it says will be addressed in a forthcoming review of the 2006 EU energy efficiency action plan. The list was published last week as part of a public consultation on the review.
MEPs and EU governments such as France have called for the EU's indicative 2020 target for a 20% improvement in energy efficiency to be made legally binding as part of the review.
In a background document accompanying the consultation, the issue appears low on the commission's list of priorities. Stakeholders are asked "whether it is the time now to move towards binding energy efficiency targets". While concrete targets have proved successful in other sectors, "in energy saving, the results are difficult to measure", the commission adds.
The EU executive wants further debate on whether the EU should fix a date by which all new buildings must have net zero energy use. MEPs have called for a 2019 deadline in amendments to a revision of the EU energy performance of buildings directive. But EU governments are thought to oppose the move.
The commission also wants to know if additional measures are needed to further reduce energy use in the transport sector. It has already proposed several measures in this area including the recently adopted rules to limit CO2 emissions from cars. It is also preparing a plan to cut emissions from vans and other light commercial vehicles.
Access to finance and new fiscal incentives to promote energy efficiency will also feature prominently in the review, according to the document. Stakeholders are also asked to comment on the need for an EU-wide approach for measuring energy savings.
The consultation will run until 3 August, with the commission expected to publish the revised action plan before the end of the year. The EU executive is also finalising an assessment of national energy efficiency action plans, which it plans to publish in July or September, according to an official.
Follow-up: European Commission plus energy efficiency consultation and background document
Republished with permission of ENDS Europe. A 14-day, no obligation trial is available from http://www.endseurope.com/trialform?mc=ecee.
Back to the news index.
Sign up for the eceee news service (free of charge)