EU Parliament Enacts Legislation to Boost Energy Efficiency and Tackle Climate Crisis

EU Parliament Enacts Legislation to Boost Energy Efficiency and Tackle Climate Crisis

(IN BRIEF) The European Parliament has adopted new energy efficiency rules as part of the European Green Deal. The legislation sets targets for reducing energy consumption by 11.7% at the EU level by 2030, compared to projected figures. Member states are required to achieve average annual energy savings of 1.5%, with incremental increases over time. The targets will be met through measures in various sectors, including public administration, buildings, and businesses. The directive also introduces requirements for efficient district heating systems. The legislation now awaits endorsement by the Council of Ministers before it becomes effective.

(PRESS RELEASE) STRASBOURG, 11-Jul-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Parliament has approved new legislation aimed at boosting energy savings and advancing the goals of the European Green Deal. The Energy Efficiency Directive, agreed upon by MEPs and the Council, establishes ambitious targets for energy reduction by 2030 at both primary and final consumption levels across the European Union.

Under the new law, member states are collectively responsible for achieving a minimum 11.7% reduction in energy consumption at the EU level by 2030, compared to the 2020 Reference Scenario projections. To ensure accountability, a robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism will accompany this binding target, ensuring that member states fulfill their national contributions.

Starting in 2030, member states must achieve average annual energy savings of 1.5%, with a progressive increase from 1.3% until the end of 2025 to 1.9% until the end of 2030.

The directive emphasizes that energy-saving targets should be met through comprehensive measures at the local, regional, and national levels, spanning various sectors including public administration, buildings, businesses, and data centers. Notably, the public sector will be required to annually reduce its final energy consumption by 1.9%. Additionally, member states must ensure that at least 3% of public buildings are renovated each year to become nearly-zero energy or zero-emission buildings. The directive also introduces new requirements for efficient district heating systems.

Rapporteur Niels Fuglsang (S&D, DK) stated, “The energy crisis is not over. In the next seven years, we have to deliver the needed structural changes. I am very pleased that we have successfully pushed member states toward more ambitious energy efficiency targets. This is crucial for reducing our dependence on Russian energy in the future and meeting our climate objectives. Today’s vote is a significant victory, benefiting our climate and challenging Putin.”

The legislation was adopted by the European Parliament with 471 votes in favor, 147 against, and 17 abstentions. It will now proceed to the Council of Ministers for endorsement before entering into force.

Background:

The ‘Fit for 55’ package, introduced by the European Commission on July 14, 2021, aims to align existing climate and energy legislation with the EU’s objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 55% by 2030. As part of this package, the Energy Efficiency Directive has been recast to align its provisions with the new GHG reduction target.

Conference on the Future of Europe:

The adoption of this directive reflects the responses to citizens’ proposals from the Conference on the Future of Europe. The Energy Efficiency Directive addresses Proposal 3(3), which seeks to reduce dependency on oil and gas imports through energy efficiency projects and the expansion of clean and renewable energy sources. It also aligns with Proposal 3(5) advocating for investments in renewable energy technologies and Proposal 3(6) promoting exploration of eco-friendly energy sources and storage methods in support of the EU’s climate goals. Furthermore, it aligns with Proposal 11(1), which encourages companies to adopt greener production processes by helping them identify optimal solutions.

Media contacts:

Baptiste CHATAIN
Press Officer
(+32) 2 28 40992 (BXL)
(+33) 3 881 74151 (STR)
(+32) 498 98 13 37
baptiste.chatain@europarl.europa.eu
indu-press@europarl.europa.eu
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SOURCE: The European Parliament