European Parliament Members this Tuesday, July 11第 have agreed on plans to improve further its energy-saving targets for 2030. The new targets require cooperation between Member States to reduce energy consumption by 11.7% at the EU level by 2030. To support this objective, robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms as well as supporting legislation such as Fit for 55 and RED II will align energy consumption reduction efforts with the bloc’s binding targets to fight climate change and boost energy security.
‘Fit for 55’: Energy Efficiency Directive (EED)
For the EU to achieve its energy transition, the revision of the Energy Efficiency Directive is presented by the Commission within the Fit for 55 package – the EU’s plan to cut emissions by 2030 by at least 55%. The Directive directly promotes energy efficiency and consumption reduction as an overall principle of EU energy policy and marks its importance and relevance in both its practical applications in policy and investment decision-making.
The latest revisions of the directive, highlight the need to increase the level of ambition and make it binding for Member States to work collectively to achieve the wider energy objectives of the bloc. Within the proposals suggestions to raise the energy efficiency target to 13% to reduce the EU’s reliance on fossil fuel imports are emphasized. Member States will be able to contribute to achieving the target by setting national contributions based on criteria such as energy intensity, GDP per capita, energy savings potential, and fixed energy consumption reduction. The proposals also introduce mechanisms to address gaps in delivering national contributions.
To meet the energy efficiency targets, the proposal nearly doubles the annual energy savings obligation. Annual energy savings will start at 1.3% until the end of 2025, increasing to 1.9% by the end of 2030. To achieve these savings targets, various measures at local, regional, and national levels will be implemented across sectors such as public administration, buildings, businesses, and data centers. A higher emphasis will be placed on the public sector, which is expected to adhere to a 1.9% reduction each year. Member states will also be responsible for renovating at least 3% of public buildings each year to make them nearly-zero energy or zero-emission buildings, with new requirements for efficient district heating systems. [1] [2]
The proposals also put forward a stronger focus on alleviating energy poverty and empowering consumers through improved awareness, information provision, and consumer protection mechanisms. It obliges EU countries to prioritize energy efficiency improvements for vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty, and those in social housing. The Social Climate Fund, funded by EU Emissions Trading System revenues, will also be used to address distributional effects.
Other elements of the proposal include implementing energy management systems for large energy consumers, extending energy audits beyond small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthening technical competence requirements for energy services providers. The directive also addresses metering and billing of thermal energy, monitoring efficiency in new energy generation capacities, and includes updated primary energy factors for electricity generation. [3]
While various measures have been implemented, the rollout of smart meters has proven very successful across Europe over the last decade. Providing continuous measurement of consumption, access to data and analytics on usage and recommendations to reduce and improve energy efficiency have on average seen reductions of at least 2% and as high as 10% based on data coming from pilot projects. [4] [5]
Among the wider benefits, the further development of the solar energy industry at the European level makes smart meters relevant to measure the electricity a household supplies to the grid. The implementation of smart metering could therefore enable network operators to gain valuable insights into the efficiency of their networks, thus allowing them to better plan investments and manage infrastructure more effectively. Such a proactive approach is likely to also adhere to and exceed the new energy consumption expectations being set by the European Parliament. [6]
Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II
Within the Fit for 55 package, the second Directive revision is the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II. Aligning closely with the objectives of EED to address energy consumption reduction efforts, RED II aims to align with the 2030 climate and energy goals of the EU to establish a unified system for promoting renewable energy across various sectors.
Moreover, RED II promotes integrated renewable energy opportunities, emphasizing new energy sources like hydrogen, biofuels, and other renewables rather than typical types of renewables like solar and wind. Ultimately, RED II aims to increase the share of renewables, in general, to improve energy efficiency and make energy savings mandatory for Member States.
This emphasis on energy efficiency and renewable energy can have several positive effects. First, it can contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions which is the overarching goal of the European Green Deal. Second, it can lead to a more sustainable and reliable energy supply by diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Amidst the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, diversifying energy options is a priority to secure energy independence across the bloc. Third, it can stimulate innovation and investment in renewable energy technologies, creating new business opportunities and job growth.
The revision and further application of RED II are also likely to stimulate opportunities for businesses to adapt and thrive in a changing energy landscape. Companies will need to assess the implications of the legislative changes on their operations and consider strategies such as sourcing energy from alternative suppliers, developing energy storage technologies, improving building insulation, and preparing for energy audits. These measures can help businesses become more energy-efficient, reduce their environmental footprint, and potentially gain a competitive edge in a market that increasingly values sustainability. [7]
Additionally, the alignment of RED II and the EED with the new plans proposed by the EU Parliament to reduce energy consumption further open the door for ESG solution providers. These solutions can play a crucial role in helping businesses navigate their decarbonization journeys by providing leading approaches for emissions measurement, monitoring, and reporting. Moreover, a solution may even provide added value when it comes to setting targets, tracking progress, and ensuring compliance with energy efficiency and renewable energy disclosure requirements.
Overall, the European Parliament’s agreement on improving energy saving and consumption targets for 2030 demonstrates a commitment to enhance the bloc’s energy security. The revisions to the EED and the RED II within the Fit for 55 package prioritize energy efficiency, renewable energy, and diversification of energy sources. The measures create opportunities for businesses to adapt, reduce their environmental impact, and gain a competitive edge.
资料来源
Success Story Energy Consumption Reduction
https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/markets-and-consumers/smart-grids-and-meters_en
https://kpmg.com/xx/en/home/insights/2022/10/renewable-energy-and-energy-efficiency-directives.html