Transcript Evening Dinner Debate “Implementation of decentralized

8th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting
on Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency
Budapest, 7th November 2008
Anni Podimata
MEP
Member, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
WHERE FINANCIAL CRISIS
MEETS OPPORTUNITY?
- The current global financial turmoil has demonstrated
the fragility of our economies and state planning
- Stern: "more incentives to invest in energy efficiency
during a recession and high oil prices, and spending on
renewable and other low-carbon industries could help
stimulate the economy“
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
EUROPEAN ENERGY EFFICIENCY
POLICIES
►Europe wastes at least 20% of its energy due
to inefficiency
European Policy
- Directive on the energy performance of buildings
(2002),
- Directive on promoting the combined generation of
heat and electricity (2004),
- Eco-design Directive to increase energy savings from
domestic appliances (2005)
- Directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy
services (2006) etc.
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
GREEN PAPER ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY (2006)
saving at least 20% of EU's present energy consumption by
2020 and at the same time contributing to reduce
Europe's dependence on oil & gas imports
"ACTION PLAN FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
REALISING THE POTENTIAL" (2006)
the direct cost of EU's inability to use energy efficiently
amounts to more than 100 billion euros annually by 2020.
Realising the 20% potential target of 2020, will result in large
energy and environmental benefits: CO2 emissions would be
reduced by 780 Mt CO2 with respect to the baseline scenario
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
Council conclusions (2006) :
“…. Council agrees that energy efficiency and energy savings
constitute a cornerstone of the Energy Policy for Europe. .. ..
and confirms its commitment to work together with the
European Commission and the European Parliament, and with the
Community's industry and citizens, in a joint attempt to realise
the Community's 20% energy saving potential by 2020, which
the Commission estimates to be technically and economically
feasible".
Criticism: no engangement to make the 2020 target
legally binding
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
NATIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACTION PLANS
The Directive 2006/32/EC on energy end-use efficiency and
energy services obliges Member States to set an indicative 9% target
energy savings to be achieved by 2016
NEEAP should have been submitted by 30 June 2007, aiming at
achieving an overall national indicative energy savings target for the
application of the Directive 2006/32/EC.
Despite the weaknesses of the submitted plans it is a useful learning
process to display and work on an impressive spectrum of policies and
measures focusing on energy efficiency at national level
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
Future European policy
a. the Communication on Sustainable Production and
Consumption and Sustainable Industrial Policy,
b. the proposal for a recast of the Directive on the
Energy Performance of Buildings,
c. the Communication on green public procurement and
d. the Covenant of Mayors.
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
Europe has an “energy efficiency deficit”, although…
energy efficiency is by far the most efficient and
cost-effective way of …
- cutting greenhouse gas emissions,
-
improving security of energy supply,
reducing energy costs and providing lower energy bills for
households and businesses alike,
- fostering competitiveness and stimulating the development
If social, environmental and health care costs are
properly accounted, energy efficiency policy
would be fully cost competitive and cheaper than
the further promotion of any conventional energy
sources.
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
•
Europe is urgently searching ways to get out
from the recession and climate change agenda is
part of the solution. According to a study
carried out by the European Trade Union
Confederation into the impact on employment of
the European Union’s policy to reduce CO2
emissions, the number of new jobs that will be
created in the sectors of renewable energy
sources, construction and rail transport will total
3.5 million in Europe by 2030.
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
IS EUROPE READY?
•
energy efficiency improvements can require large up-front
investment, sources of funding and best implementation.
Keep in mind the heavy direct and indirect subsidies that
fossil fuels and nuclear energy have received for many
decades.
•
energy efficiency market can contribute to innovation,
support the small-medium enterprises and create job
opportunities. This is a unique opportunity for Europe to
gain a first mover advantage in the energy efficiency
market, and achieve a leading position in the economy of
tomorrow.
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
economic crisis demands more comprehensive and
efficient policies
climate change crisis searches intensively for an
ambitious and concrete post-2012 regime
energy crisis requires to guarantee security of
supply and address energy poverty
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
EUROPE URGENTLY NEEDS A NEW
IMPETUS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
TARGETS,
EUROPE MUST CLAIM A LEADING
POSITION ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY,
SO…
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
CHANGE CAN HAPPEN !
“Energy Efficiency Policies in the EU, Realizing the potential-Europe’s position
as one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION