Brussels, 21/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - At the start of March, the European Commission will submit its revised energy efficiency action plan, which is to help the EU and its member states achieve the target set in the 2006 action plan (adopted in 2008) of 20% saving in energy by 2020.
The Commission's new action plan is built on several pillars, such as the exemplary role of the public sector, the roll-out of the funding mechanism for efficiency measures through savings on energy bills, the smart cities initiative, generation capacity performance and linking urban heating systems with electricity generation.
The Commission also gives each of the stakeholders its role: it will be for member states to put in place binding energy efficiency schemes (“white certificates”), for SMEs to raise awareness, and for major companies to impose regular independent energy audits. The commitment of industry to put in place energy management systems will, of course, require public incentives, such as tax breaks and funding.
Buildings, which account for 40% of final energy consumption in the EU, remain the key sector in the revised action plan. In addition to better use of Community funding, the Commission is keen on new legislation which forces member states to introduce measures under their national law on tenants and owners to resolve the problem of diverging incentives. Initiatives on metering and smart networks are also expected in the coming months.
The action plan will be followed by a draft directive on energy savings seeking to implement all the measures adopted. The Commission has promised further measures on eco-design in 2011 and 2012 and a proposal on innovative funding mechanisms this year.
The Commission promises to carry out an in-depth assessment before the European Council in spring 2012. If need be, binding national energy savings targets will be proposed. (E.H./transl.rt)