The European Union's future strategy for the intelligent integration of the energy sectors should be in line with the ‘energy efficiency first principle’ set out in the Regulation on the governance of the Energy Union (2018/1999), stressed the European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE), a group of European companies and organisations advocating greater energy efficiency, on Tuesday 16 June.
“Reducing energy demand before extending capacities is key to avoiding the creation of an oversized energy system, stranded assets, and to keep energy prices affordable for citizens and businesses”, considers EU-ASE.
Scheduled for 8 July, the strategy on sectoral integration will contribute to the decarbonisation of the European energy system by facilitating interconnections between the electricity, heating, building, transport and industry sectors in order to make better use of the synergies that may arise (particularly in the conversion and storage of energy), according to the European Commission (see EUROPE 12485/11).
In a paper published on Tuesday, EU-ASEcalls on the European institution to assess the overall efficiency of the entire energy supply chain (production, conversion, transmission and distribution) by comparing various technologies with the aim of achieving a highly efficient energy system based on renewable energies.
For example, while green hydrogen can play a role in sectors that are difficult to decarbonise, such as primary industry and heavy road transport, “more cost-effective and ‘ready to use’” solutions exist for decarbonising the buildings sector, the organisation believes, citing electrification and heat pumps in particular.
EU-ASE further recommends establishing a platform for the communication and promotion of best practices in energy system efficiency, while encouraging the active participation of ‘prosumers’ in integrated energy systems.
To consult the full EU-ASE document with its recommendations: https://bit.ly/3hC3HsM (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)