This blog series is aimed at providing a summary of key elements of the recast Energy Efficiency Directive (EU) 2023/1791, which was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council earlier this year, and was published in the EU Official Journal on 20th September and came into force 20 on the 10th October 2023. After its entry into force, EU Member States will have two years to transpose most of the different elements in the directive into national law.
This first blog sets out to tackle the key points of Articles 3 and 4.
The “Energy Efficiency First Principle” requires Member States to prioritize energy efficiency solutions, demand-side resources, and system flexibilities in planning, policy, and major investments for various sectors.
There will be a review of financial thresholds for energy projects by the Commission by 2027 with a possible revision by 2028.
Member States should encourage the use of cost-benefit methodologies to assess energy efficiency solutions and report on their application of the energy efficiency first principle.
Member States collectively commit to reducing energy consumption by at least 11.7% by 2030 compared to the 2020 EU Reference Scenario (detailed at: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/data-and analysis/energy-modelling/eu-reference-scenario-2020_en).
Each Member State will set an indicative national energy efficiency contribution and notify the Commission. These contributions should help reach the Union’s binding 2030 final energy consumption target of no more than 763 Mtoe and the primary energy consumption target of no more than 992.5 Mtoe.
Member States should consider various factors when setting their contributions, including energy targets, measures in the directive, and national circumstances.
The Commission will ensure that the collective contributions of Member States align with the Union’s binding target. If contributions are insufficient, adjustments may be made.
Additional measures should be implemented if progress towards energy efficiency contributions is insufficient.
The Commission will assess methodological changes in data reporting and propose technical adjustments to the Union’s 2030 targets, if necessary, by 2026.
