Towards a low-carbon economy
Solar roof panels are an increasingly familiar sight.
In December 2008 EU leaders adopted a comprehensive package of measures to reduce the EU’s contribution to global warming and ensure reliable and sufficient supplies of energy. The most far-reaching reform ever of European energy policy, the package aims to make Europe the world leader in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.
Driving the policy is the EU’s bid to achieve a 20% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (compared with 1990 levels), mainly by boosting the use of renewable energy and curbing energy consumption. The measures will also reduce dependence on imports of gas and oil and help shelter the economy from volatile energy prices and uncertain supplies.
Energy in an emergency
More than 50% of the EU's energy comes from countries outside the Union – and the percentage is growing. Much of that energy comes from Russia, whose disputes with transit countries have repeatedly disrupted supplies in recent years.
This highlights the need for the EU to monitor its oil and gas supplies more closely and be prepared in the event of an energy emergency. For decades, EU countries have maintained emergency oil stocks. The EU is working to make those stocks more readily available and clarify when and how they can be used.
New avenues for energy
You will find this label throughout the EU.
Another high priority is setting up a southern gas corridor of pipeline networks that could bring gas from the Caspian Sea region via Turkey. Construction could begin as early as 2010.
The EU is also keen to strengthen its energy networks – the power lines and pipelines that bring electricity, gas and oil to homes and businesses – and equip them to handle renewable sources of energy like wind.
EU energy strategy calls for continued efforts to boost energy efficiency – such as renovating residential and commercial buildings. Another proposal calls for energy labels for tyres starting in 2012.
Giving consumers more choice
Legislation is also in the works to separate – or unbundle – the supply of electricity and gas from production. As of July 2007, all EU households have been free to pick a gas and electricity supplier but their choice is still often limited by one company’s domination of a particular region or country. Besides spurring on competition, unbundling would boost the use of renewable energies like wind and solar power.
