Anni Podimata MEP Member, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy 8th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting...

Anni PodimataMEP

Member, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

8th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting on Renewable Energy

and Energy Efficiency

Budapest, 7th November 2008

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 Europe wastes at least 20% of its energy due to inefficiencyto 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.


http://ec.europa.eu/energy/demand/legislation/buildings_en.htm

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


Council Council conclusionsconclusions (2006)(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


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


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.


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.


• 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.


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.


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


EUROPE URGENTLY NEEDS A NEW IMPETUS ON CLIMATE CHANGE

TARGETS,

EUROPE MUST CLAIM A LEADING POSITION ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY,

SO…


CHANGE CAN HAPPEN !


THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTIONTHANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

Anni Podimata MEP Member, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy 8th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting...

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