FAQ: Impact

What is the expected impact of the EED in terms of energy savings? Job creation? Improved competitiveness?

The EED is designed to help close the energy savings gap to meet the 2020 energy savings target. When the proposal for the Directive came out, Europe was on track to miss its energy saving target by more than half, leaving a gap of about 190 Mtoe in 2020.  When the EED was agreed upon, it was estimated that the EED would now achieve about 14-15% of the 2020 target.

Even more recently, there have been preliminary indications that the EED could achieve over 17%, perhaps 17.5%. If the gap appears to be closing when the June 2014 review is carried out, this will have implications on what the Commission must deliver in the way of new proposals. There is a possibility that instead of concentrating on 2020, the focus may shift more to 2030, if the mandate in the EED can be interpreted somewhat more broadly. This would very likely be a considerable advantage for MS as well as for industry and private investors, all of whom have longer planning horizons.

The Coalition for Energy Savings provided its “gapometer” to show where we are according to the most recent official information.

The Coalition states that he “lion's share of savings come from the 1.5% annual savings under the efficiency obligations schemes, which can be reduced by 25% general flexibility for early actions and other cases. This represents nearly a doubling of savings compared to the existing 1% annual savings target under the Energy Services Directive.”

The impact of the EED on employment or on competitiveness is difficult to measure.  It is suggested that readers refer to a 2012 report prepared for the Energy Efficiency Industrial Forum entitled “How Many Jobs? A Survey of the Employment Effects of Investment in Energy Efficiency of Buildings” and a 2013 eceee report on competitiveness entitled "European competitiveness and energy efficiency: Focusing on the real issue". A discussion paper.

Will it ensure the EU meets its 2020 energy saving target?

As the previous answer stated, the EED is designed to close the gap and, according to current projections, it will not meet the target.  It should be remembered that the EED does not include the transport sector and

By the end of June 2014 the Commission will assess whether the EU’s 2020 target is likely to be met (Article 3.2). If the Commission concludes that this is not the case, it will make further proposals to ensure the gap is closed (Article 24.7).

When will we receive the first interim results?

Again, by the end of June 2014 the Commission will assess whether the EU’s 2020 target is likely to be met (Article 3.2). If the Commission concludes that this is not the case, it will make further proposals to ensure the gap is closed (Article 24.7).

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