Finally on June 13th, the rabbit was pulled out of the hat and an agreement was reached on a compromise Energy Efficiency Directive. According to many within the Coalition for Energy Savings, there is disappointment because the measures do not sufficiently close the gap to reach the 20% energy savings target by 2020. The Commission … Continue reading Number of the week . . . or how the European Energy Efficiency Directive succeeded
Category: European energy policies
Czech solar energy industry must struggle with retroactive change in support
Many countries have had to re-think their policies to support the deployment of renewable energy technologies. This article from CleanTechnica.com provides important information on developments in the Czech Republic. Czech Solar Energy Industry Must Struggle with Retroactive Change in Support June 11, 2012 By Zachary Shahan CleanTechnica.com I received the following news release just … Continue reading Czech solar energy industry must struggle with retroactive change in support
Germany’s energy revolution hits potholes
We can expect more of this type of article as Germany implements its decision to completely phase out nuclear energy. No one said it would be easy and it won’t. But hopefully the drive and determination of the Germans will inspire others. There are lessons for all of us. Germany’s Energy Revolution Hits Potholes … Continue reading Germany’s energy revolution hits potholes
Run, rabbit, run . . .
The negotiations on the proposed Energy Efficiency Directive are coming down to the final steps, at least the final steps under the Danish Presidency which ends this month. The last trialogue meeting is scheduled for June 13th. In particular, there are still disputes on energy efficiency obligations for energy companies, and for retrofit strategies for … Continue reading Run, rabbit, run . . .
Communication on renewable energy from the European Commission
The European Commission has tabled a much-awaited 'communication' looking at the EU-wide prospects for renewable energy. EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger published the policy "blueprint on the post-2020 strategy for renewable energy" on Wednesday. EU energy ministers will discuss the new proposal at a Council meeting on June 15th. The Commission's idea is that renewables, … Continue reading Communication on renewable energy from the European Commission
New head for CLASP Europe
Dr. Pernille Schiellerup has just been appointed Director of European Programmes of CLASP. CLASP provides technical assistance, training, and capacity building on all aspects of energy efficiency standards and labelling, and capitalises on opportunities to collaborate and disseminate research and best practice information. The European office, based in Brussels, is part of a global network … Continue reading New head for CLASP Europe
Energy Efficiency Directive negotiations update
Concern is growing that the negotiations between the European Council, Parliament and Commission may collapse because of a lack of serious movement on the part of Council. While there has been some change of position by Council on energy efficiency obligations and cogeneration, Council seems reluctant to budge on the retrofit of buildings. There is … Continue reading Energy Efficiency Directive negotiations update
EBRD announces new energy efficiency phase of its Sustainable Energy Initiative
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced on May 18th that it is stepping up investments to improve energy efficiency and address climate change via new investment in projects worth up to €25 billion over the next three years, under the new phase of the Bank’s Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI). Building on the … Continue reading EBRD announces new energy efficiency phase of its Sustainable Energy Initiative
Short Takes
Important Comment On May 15th, at an event on Energy Efficient Buildings and Districts: Research to Accelerate Innovation at the European Economic and Social Committee, Ms. Silvia-Adriana, MEP and former rapporteur for the recast of the buildings directive said: “Energy efficiency is important for each household and not just for the European Union. We need … Continue reading Short Takes
May Day . . . May Day . . . is complexity killing caring?
In the words of Bill Gates, “ The barrier to change is not too little caring; it is too much complexity.” They are words that ring true in Europe in the context of approval of a new Energy Efficiency Directive. There is no doubt that Europeans care about climate change and improving energy efficiency. But … Continue reading May Day . . . May Day . . . is complexity killing caring?
