This week’s briefs

There are a couple of brief news items that should be of interest to EiD readers.

• eceee summer study

In 2013, the International Energy Agency (IEA) dubbed energy efficiency the world’s First Fuel. Global energy saving investments – and their effects on energy demand – are now equal to the net contribution of other fuel sources, the IEA said, and valued worldwide energy efficiency investments in 2011 at $300 billion (€221bn), a level on a par with global funding of renewable energy and fossil fuel power sources.

Energy efficiency is thus already a fundamental component of our energy and environment policies. Cutting energy demand reduces greenhouse gas emissions in a more cost-effective way than any other energy policy. Massive investments in energy efficiency will create jobs, make Europe more resilient and productive and improve our energy security. But energy efficiency still does not get the recognition from policy makers that it deserves.

The European Energy Efficiency Directive is an important step forward for Europe. The current 2030 policy framework discussions will shape our energy future for years to come. COP 21 in Paris 2015 is another key event that will shape our future.

This is exciting times and the papers presented at the Summer Study will help define how we can make energy efficiency truly recognised as the first fuel.

The Summer Study is only days away. For those still interested in attending, information is available on the eceee website.

• UK report: Public support for renewables remains enormous

Renewable Energy Focus website reports about new survey on support for renewable energy in the UK. Let’s hope the new government is listening.

Nearly 78% of British citizens support the use of renewable energy to provide the UK’s electricity, fuel and heat, according to the latest figures from the Department for Energy and Climate Change.

DECC’s latest Public Attitudes Tracker, published just days before the general election, also shows that nearly three-quarters (71%) agree that renewable energy provides economic benefits to the UK.

Of the various renewable technologies, solar was the most favoured with 81% stating their support, followed by wave and tidal (74%). There was also considerable support for offshore wind (65%) and biomass (63%).

This comes in contrast to technologies such as nuclear 39% and 24% for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale gas.

The report also shows the public that two-thirds of the UK is very or fairly concerned about climate change (66%) and about energy security, with 72% very/fairly concerned about the UK becoming too dependent on energy from other countries.

“Public support for renewables has been consistently high for many years, with the benefits to energy security and climate change clear,” said Dr Nina Skorupska, chief executive of the Renewable Energy Association. “Renewables hold the key to decarbonising the UK, and the growth of our sector goes hand in hand with future proofed resilient and cheaper bills and thousands of skilled jobs across the country.”

The latest DECC figures come shortly after a survey of the Renewable Energy Association’s membership which revealed that 95% of renewable industries feel that the main political parties have failed to adequately address the needs of the sector throughout the ongoing election campaign.