It is an important step when technologies move along the deployment continuum. Many remain in the research world, struggling to find their place in the market place. When I started in energy policy, there was always discussion about hydrogen and its potential to be a major form of sustainable energy. We are still waiting. This … Continue reading H2 – the strongest link in the energy chain? From the research community to the policy world
Category: EU policies
New report on whether changing behaviour can save energy
The European Environment Agency (EEA) recently published a report that investigates what it takes to achieve energy savings through changing consumer behaviour and launches an online survey to know more about society's views on the topic.The EEA report, Achieving energy efficiency through behaviour change: what does it take? reviews recent studies on behaviour change and … Continue reading New report on whether changing behaviour can save energy
Monitoring as we need it
EU member states have been given many tasks to promote energy efficiency in general and in the end-use sectors, meet 2016 targets, meet 2020 targets and contribute to energy and climate objectives. For countries with well funded and functioning energy agencies, the task is easier, but for most it is not easy, even if we … Continue reading Monitoring as we need it
The EC’s Green Paper “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” finally out
On 27 March 2013, the European Commission adopted a Green Paper on "A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies". This document launches a public consultation lasting until 2 July, allowing Member States, other EU institutions and stakeholders to express their views; for example on the type, nature and level of potential climate and energy … Continue reading The EC’s Green Paper “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” finally out
Impact of air pollution in the UK
John Vidal writes in the Guardian about air quality in UK cities, although primarily London, and what it is doing to health. One monitoring station in London shows the fourth highest levels of NO2 of over 2,000 monitoring stations in Europe. Cities are missing targets set under EU laws, but questions arise as to who … Continue reading Impact of air pollution in the UK
Finally – three cheers for efficient boilers!
Coolproducts, a coalition of NGOs from all across Europe working to ensure ecodesign policy works for Europeans and the environment, finally had something to celebrate this week. One would not think it would be that difficult to approve minimum energy performance standards for boilers, but it has been a very difficult road, indeed. In fact, … Continue reading Finally – three cheers for efficient boilers!
Public consultation launched on linking Australian, EU Emission Trading Systems
Australia's Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) have launched an online public consultation on registry options for linking the Australian and European Union emission trading systems. The DCCEE and DG CLIMA jointly authored a consultation paper on “Registry Options to Facilitate Linking of … Continue reading Public consultation launched on linking Australian, EU Emission Trading Systems
Two important new reports
Estimating potential additional energy savings from upcoming revisions to existing regulations under the ecodesign and energy labelling directives, by CLASP and eceee In the new discussion paper, CLASP has identified an additional 40-70 TWh per annum by 2030 from eleven existing ecodesign and energy labelling regulations covering seven product groups. All eleven regulations are scheduled … Continue reading Two important new reports
More on UK’s VAT issue with European Commission
In the recent post on Britain's taxing issue, EiD quoted Andrew Warren, Director of the UK Association for the Conservation of Energy. Following other comments that EiD has received, Andrew has kindly provided the following extended note. As all Europeans are trying to address how to finance energy efficiency investments, this is an important issue … Continue reading More on UK’s VAT issue with European Commission
A taxing issue
The European Commission’s press release this week was quite stark in its announcement: . . . The European Commission has decided to refer the United Kingdom to the EU Court of Justice for its reduced VAT rate on the supply and installation of energy-saving materials. This measure goes beyond what is allowed under the VAT … Continue reading A taxing issue
