The European Union has agreed to increase its energy efficiency by 32.5% by 2030. This figure falls well short of the binding target of at least 40% that would represent the most cost-effective route to delivering the Paris Agreement.

Responding to the news Roland Joebstl, EEB Policy Officer on Energy and Climate said:

“The outcome of the negotiations is disappointing as anything less than a 40% improvement means delivering the Paris Agreement will be more difficult and more costly. Energy efficiency is the cheapest and most effective route to cut climate-harming emissions and protect citizens from devastating climate change. Put quite simply: we cannot achieve the Paris Agreement without tapping the full potential of energy savings… Despite support from leading countries like France and Sweden for a higher efficiency target of 35% the final result of is merely a door-opener for higher ambition in 2023. Europe must do more on energy efficiency to protect EU citizens from harmful climate change. We count on the climate frontrunners to stick to their commitments in five years.”

In addition to the target the Directive also continues the annual energy savings obligation set by Article 7 of the EED, requiring Member States to establish policies that deliver new action and delivering new savings for households, the service sector and small businesses.

To view the original article in full, click here.