New EU energy efficiency directive sets 11.7% reduction target by 2030

(EurActiv, 10 Mar 2023) EU lawmakers have agreed to increase the ambition of the bloc’s energy efficiency directive, making energy savings of 11.7% by 2030 mandatory in a bid to further the bloc’s climate and energy independence goals.

The EU’s energy efficiency directive revision was announced as part of the bloc’s climate package in 2021. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis added to the urgency of negotiations on the policy that previously saw little attention from leaders.

“Deal! After 16 hours of negotiations, we agreed on a new Energy Efficiency Directive,” said Niels Fuglsang, a Danish centre-left lawmaker that negotiated the deal on behalf of the European Parliament. The new law would “mean real change for the benefit of the climate and disadvantage of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin,” he added.

The negotiations between parliament and the EU countries had been dragging on for months, concluded by a 16-hour marathon session of negotiations.

At the heart of the agreement is the 11.7% target, which mandates that EU countries must reduce total energy consumption by about 1.5% per year.

“Saving energy is a key step to saving the planet,” said the European Commission’s Green Deal Chief, Frans Timmermans. This will be enforced by the Commission, empowered with controlling rights. 

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EurActiv, 10 Mar 2023: New EU energy efficiency directive sets 11.7% reduction target by 2030