Clean energy technologies are creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across the European Union, according to a report published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). However, persistent shortages of skilled workers risk slowing future growth, while at the same time the clean energy sector faces inclusion challenges, with women and young people underrepresented. … Continue reading New EEA report on impact of clean energy technologies in Europe
Category: European energy policies
Local heat, lower bills, stronger Europe
Simona Aronica writes on the Renewable Matter website that Europe has many solutions to reach climate neutrality and become energy independent, but none will succeed without active citizen participation to ensure a just and effective transition. Warm homes, lower bills, stronger EU: the power of citizen-led energy networks How can we all enjoy comfortable … Continue reading Local heat, lower bills, stronger Europe
Don’t trust the green claim — check the data
In an article on The Conversation website, Lala Rukh, PhD Candidate, Energy, University of Galway; Atlantic Technological University, discusses how consumers in the EU already have a powerful tool for seeing through greenwashing, but remarkably few know it exists. The free EU database that tells you if an appliance is actually green When something breaks … Continue reading Don’t trust the green claim — check the data
Blog by Rose Morrison – EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive takes effect: what 40% of energy demand means for building renovations
Image source: Unsplash Buildings play as much of a role in Europe’s transition to a low-carbon future as wind farms and solar panels. As the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) drives a new wave of renovation requirements, governments across the European Union are encouraging upgrades that improve efficiency, reduce energy demand and strengthen … Continue reading Blog by Rose Morrison – EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive takes effect: what 40% of energy demand means for building renovations
Energy crises are driving a renovation revolution
High energy prices have sparked new interest in energy-related renovations and non-fossil heating systems. This post by Desislava Rusinova and Marco Weissler of the European Central Bank argues that such investments cushion the impact of energy shocks on the building and construction sector. The analysis shows that while energy shocks initially hurt the construction sector, … Continue reading Energy crises are driving a renovation revolution
The cheapest gas is the gas Europe never uses
Michael Kern writes on the Oil Price website that rather than focusing on securing ever more LNG imports, Europe can strengthen its energy security by reducing gas demand through heat pumps, renewable electricity and energy efficiency. Hitting EU Renewables Targets Could Slash Gas Demand a Quarter by 2030 The European Union could save a … Continue reading The cheapest gas is the gas Europe never uses
DEEP and going DEEP-er
The DEEP (De-risking Energy Efficiency Platform) is the European Commission's open-access database designed to reduce the perceived financial risk of investing in energy efficiency projects. It is one of the Commission's most important tools for demonstrating, with real-world evidence, that energy efficiency investments are often lower risk and more profitable than many investors assume. DEEP was officially launched … Continue reading DEEP and going DEEP-er
Europe’s building renovation divide
In an article on the Euronews website, Alessio Dell'Anna writes about Europe's uneven progress on building renovation. Energy efficiency levels are rising, but not quickly enough, according to Brussels, which has launched an infringement procedure against all EU member states. Green homes: which countries are making their buildings more energy efficient? Last week, the … Continue reading Europe’s building renovation divide
Bridging Europe’s electrification gap
Ron Bousso writes on the Reuter’s website that Europe knows where it wants to go, but faces a perilous decade in which high energy costs could permanently damage industrial competitiveness before the benefits of electrification are realised. Europe’s electrification dream won’t spare a painful decade Europe faces a looming "death valley" of high energy … Continue reading Bridging Europe’s electrification gap
National Building Renovation Plans – the European Commission’s first assessment
The Commission’s first assessment of the complete draft National Building Renovation Plans (NBRPs) shows strong commitment by EU countries to make buildings more energy efficient and decarbonised. This, in turn, lowers energy bills and makes buildings more liveable, particularly during harsh winter conditions or heatwaves. Buildings account for more than 30% of all energy used in Europe … Continue reading National Building Renovation Plans – the European Commission’s first assessment
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 