The European Commission has proposed what it describes a ‘higher and achievable’ 30% energy savings target for 2030.
The Commission said the target builds on the achievements already reached: new buildings use half the energy they did in the 1980s and industry is about 19% less energy intensive than in 2001. The proposed target goes beyond the 25% energy savings target which would be required to achieve a 40% reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030.
Günther H. Oettinger, Vice-President of the EU Commission responsible for energy said:
"Our proposal is the basis to drive the EU towards increased security of supply, innovation and sustainability, all in an affordable way. It is ambitious and at the same time it is realistic. The energy efficiency strategy will complete the 2030 framework on energy and climate which has been presented in January 2014. Our aim is to give the right signal to the market and encourage further investments in energy saving technologies to the benefit of businesses, consumers and the environment."
The Communication on energy efficiency and its contribution to energy security and the 2030 framework presented today also reviews progress towards the European Union's 20% energy efficiency target for 2020. The EU is currently forecast to achieve energy savings of 18-19% in 2020; however, the Commission said the agreed target of 20% can be reached if all EU countries fully implement the already agreed legislation. The Commission does not intend to propose new measures, but is calling on the Member States to step up their efforts to ensure collective delivery of the 2020 target.
The Energy Efficiency Directive 2012 introduced binding measures to ensure the target of increasing energy efficiency by 20% by 2020 can be achieved. This target is part of the EU's wider 2020 energy and climate goals, including a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 20% share in renewables in the EU energy mix.
Currently, Italy, Cyprus, Denmark, Malta and Sweden have so far declared full transposition of the Energy Efficiency Directive in their national legislation. The deadline for doing so was 5 June.
The European Commission will review progress on energy efficiency in 2017.
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