23 April, Brussels – A study by the Coalition for Energy Savings which has analysed the Energy Efficiency Action Plans produced by EU Member States, has found that most will fail to meet the binding targets set out in the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive.
The Directive, which supports the EU 20/20/20 energy targets, requires Member States to achieve 1.5% annual end-use energy savings, but according to the study, States have low ambition and have insufficiently demonstrated how targets will be met. Member States that fail to meet the target could be open to infringement procedures and subsequent fines.
According to the Coalition, only Ireland, Croatia and Denmark show credible plans for how energy savings will be achieved. Twelve countries – including Germany, Finland and Sweden – were deemed to have very low quality, or incomplete plans. Common problems included inaccurate calculation of the target, ineligible measures the inclusion of energy savings that would have occurred, regardless of policy intervention.
The Coalition argue that the low ambition shown in the plans highlights the importance of having a legally binding energy efficiency target, as part of the upcoming 2030 energy package.