The European Union is entering a crucial decade in its energy transition, with the 55% climate goal representing a step change in ambition. Energy efficiency is expected to play a major role in achieving necessary reductions in energy consumption across buildings, transport and industry. Enacting the Energy Efficiency First principle will require reliable data on...

In late 2020, we recommended that the European Commission align the Energy Efficiency Directive’s energy savings obligation with the 2050 climate goal. It took a first step towards achieving this objective in summer 2021. In its proposal, energy savings derived from the installation of technologies that directly combust fossil fuels are excluded for the purpose...

The European Union has committed to several ambitious climate targets, including the reduction of carbon emissions by a net of 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. To meet these goals, the European Commission expects to rapidly decarbonise its building sector throughout the decade. One way to ensure the EU meets its targets and drives massive change is to replace older,...

To meet the European Union’s carbon goal of reducing emissions by at least 55% net from 1990 levels, the European Commission wants the buildings sector to take the lead. The EU’s Climate Plan Impact Assessment sees building renovations and sustainable renewable heating system replacements cutting carbon emissions in the sector by 60% by 2030. At the same time...

The European Union's new 55% climate target will bring major revisions of the EU’s energy and climate laws. Quite opposing policy options are on the table: Strengthening the existing policy architecture or moving to a carbon price all-out approach. RAP teamed up with Stefan Scheuer Consulting and Öko-Institut to inform the discussion about these options. Their...

In its 2030 Climate Target plan, the European Commission suggests raising the ambition of the EU’s energy efficiency policies to reach climate neutrality by 2050. It mentions the possibility of increasing the energy savings obligations under Article 7 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). This paper provides a rationale for increasing the contribution of...

There is an increasing interest in the role so-called market-based instruments (MBIs) can play to deliver energy efficiency across the world. Their rising popularity among policymakers owes, in part, to their characteristics. They tend to be less prescriptive than traditional regulations and grants because they focus on the energy savings versus the means of deli...