A comparison between what France has done over the past 20 years and what is currently being done in the Czech Republic

Panel: Panel 2: Incentives and instruments to achive greater

Authors:
Catherine Vallee, Energy Economist, France
Martin Dasek, Project Manager, SEVEn, Czech Republic

Abstract

The authors attempt a comparison between the conditions and achievements of energy efficiency in France and the Czech Republic

France is recognised as a country which at some point in time made great efforts to conserve energy. It has more than twenty years of experience, a developed Western economy and vast resources, both technical and economic. Governmental funding has been considerable.

What was the impact of this on energy use? What success did it have, with which tools? What problems did it encounter?

The Czech Republic is a country in transition. Extensive work in the energy efficiency field started just a few years ago. The Czech government has a lot of problems to solve. Nevertheless the Czech Republic is currently increasing its efforts and budgetary allotments dedicated to energy efficiency.

Can similar results be obtained? What has been the trend over the past years? What questions have been raised? How can such comparisons show the way toward future international co-operation?