The Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) had to be implemented by member states by 5 December 2010. The transposition of EU legislation is a priority for the Commission, especially since unnecessary delays in implementing may jeopardise the achievement of the EU renewable energy objective for 2020. Finland, Greece, and Poland have not yet informed the Commission … Continue reading Renewable energy: Finnish, Greek and Polish legislation still not in line with EU rules
Tag: policy instruments
Good news . . . No news . . .
On March 10th, the Commission published a new regulation on ecodesign requirements for air conditioners and comfort fans (Commission Regulation (EU) No. 206/2012) that significantly raises the minimum energy performance standards of air conditioners. But one would never know it. The news has gone virtually unreported. There is one good report, though, on the Coolproducts … Continue reading Good news . . . No news . . .
Member State progress reports on the promotion and use of energy from renewable sources
According to Article 22 of the Renewable Energy Directive, by 31 December 2011, and every two years thereafter, each member state is required to submit a report to the Commission on progress in promoting and using energy from renewable sources. These reports are expected to describe the overall renewable energy policy developments in each member … Continue reading Member State progress reports on the promotion and use of energy from renewable sources
Public consultation on financial support for energy efficiency in buildings
A two-month public consultation on "Financial Support for Energy Efficiency in Buildings" has been launched by the Directorate General for Energy. The consultation period expires on May 18th. The objective is to obtain the views of the wide range of stakeholders throughout Europe on ways to improve the financial support for energy efficiency measures that … Continue reading Public consultation on financial support for energy efficiency in buildings
Energy savings targets revisited
Negotiators of the draft Energy Efficiency Directive have been struggling for months to settle on a strategy to achieve the 2020 energy savings target. The Commission, Council, Parliament and all stakeholders agree that the indicative 20% energy savings target will not be achieved with current policies and programmes. There have been debates about how to … Continue reading Energy savings targets revisited
Why is EU energy saving easier said than done?
This is an excellent question and answer article by Barbara Lewis of Reuter’s that was published on March 15th. The topic is one that anyone working in energy efficiency in Europe has struggled with endlessly. Q&A – Why is EU energy saving easier said than done? (Reuters) - A draft European Union law on energy … Continue reading Why is EU energy saving easier said than done?
IEA unveils new initiatives on sustainable energy policies and technologies in the buildings sector
Cutting back on the amount of energy consumed in buildings all over the world will represent a significant step forward in efforts to strengthen energy security and combat climate change, International Energy Agency Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven said as she announced new IEA initiatives on sustainable energy policies and technologies in the buildings … Continue reading IEA unveils new initiatives on sustainable energy policies and technologies in the buildings sector
More interesting reading . . .
Two new reports from the OECD and the UK government should definitely be on EiD readers’ bookshelves. From the OECD The OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050: The Consequences of Inaction presents the latest projections of socio-economic trends over the next four decades, and their implications for four key areas of concern: climate change, biodiversity, water and health … Continue reading More interesting reading . . .
Video-in-Demand
EiD has come across two excellent videos for EiD readers. The first is by Peter Sweatman for Eurima, the European Insulation Manufacturers, on Financing Mechanisms for Europe’s Buildings Renovations. This is an excellent argument for an ambitious energy efficiency directive and the need for incentives for building refurbishment. The second is by the UNFCCC Executive … Continue reading Video-in-Demand
Brussels . . . Briefly . . .
Following the vote by the European Parliament on February 28th, it is now the turn of the European Council under the Presidency of Denmark to get a common position in order to start the trialogues. For information on the co-decision process, go to the Reference Material page. All indications show that the negotiations will start … Continue reading Brussels . . . Briefly . . .
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 