Do we need a binding EU energy efficiency target for 2030?

Last June I chaired an informal session at the eceee Summer Study on binding targets where Andrew Warren of the Association for the Conservation of Energy eloquently made the case that they were definitely needed. Well, as EiD readers know, the Commission’s proposal for 2030 not only did not have a binding target, but it … Continue reading Do we need a binding EU energy efficiency target for 2030? →

Commission’s 2030 energy efficiency strategy under attack

Energy efficiency is considered one of the pillars of energy and climate policy but it is far from obvious when there are binding targets for GHG emissions and renewable energy but not for energy efficiency. That was the case for 2020 targets and remains the case, from the European Commission’s recent proposal, for 2030 targets. … Continue reading Commission’s 2030 energy efficiency strategy under attack →

Unintended impact of renewable energy targets in Romania

We have seen many EU member states retreating from high feed-in tariffs for renewable energy. We see Germany bounding ahead with renewables as its centrepiece for its energy transition. We have seen the European Commission recently propose a binding target for renewable energy for 2030, but binding only EU-wide and not for individual countries, whatever … Continue reading Unintended impact of renewable energy targets in Romania →

Multiannual financial framework 2014-2020 and EU budget 2014

Everyone has been concerned about the EU’s multiannual financial framework that was finally agreed upon. The budget of the EU has a considerable influence on the extent and impact of its full range of policies and programmes. The EU Bookshop has just published a report that presents the key figures of the 2014–2020 multiannual financial … Continue reading Multiannual financial framework 2014-2020 and EU budget 2014 →

Quotes of the week

In his eceee column reacting to the Commission’s 2030 climate and energy policy framework, presented on January 22nd, Hans Nilsson provides us with a quote within a quote: . . . it is worth being reminded of the words of the Danish professor Noergaard when he said that “it might not be cost-effective to save … Continue reading Quotes of the week →

The European Commission in the news

This week, the European Commission presented its long-expected 2030 climate and energy policy framework, whereby there will be a binding target for GHG emissions, a modest binding EU (but not at the member state level) target for renewable energy and, once again, a non-binding target for energy savings. The purpose behind the policy framework is … Continue reading The European Commission in the news →

Agreeing on 2030 climate and energy goals proving illusive within European Commission

Reuters news service provided an article in The Guardian about the controversy within the European Commission itself in agreeing on climate and energy goals for 2030. Undoubtedly, the EU wants to be a global leader but there is also the cold reality of trying to re-build momentum in the lagging economy. Can the two be … Continue reading Agreeing on 2030 climate and energy goals proving illusive within European Commission →

Focus on 2030: new report and blog by E3G

Ingrid Holmes and Luca Bergamaschi of E3G recently published a briefing report on why energy efficiency is a key component for making the 2030 energy and climate package work. The European Commission is therefore developing a 2030 framework for EU climate change and energy policies following a consultation that took place in 2013. This briefing … Continue reading Focus on 2030: new report and blog by E3G →

Where are subsidy policies going?

Following the numbers of the week Agence France Presse writes that the EU is having a re-think about the level of subsidies for renewable energy. Hopefully, whatever happens, there will be a level playing field, as they say. The numbers of the week show the extent of the subsidies for fossil fuels. Last week, the … Continue reading Where are subsidy policies going? →

How energy efficient lighting may shake consumers

As the EU's Ecodesign Regulation requirements continue to escalate, Caroline Hayes reports in LEDs Magazine that LED replacements for mains-voltage halogens may not deliver on consumer expectations on time, while directional SSL lamps are moving faster than the pace of the scheduled phase-out. I was surprised that the Ecodesign regulation was introduced without industry consultation. … Continue reading How energy efficient lighting may shake consumers →