New energy efficiency directive criticised by EU member states

The new draft directive replaces previous directives on CHP (2004/8/EC) and Energy Services (2006/32/EC) and includes three main pillars:

• A 3% renovation target for public buildings (article 4)
• A 1.5% energy saving target for energy suppliers (article 6)
• The establishment of national heating and cooling plans to promote highly efficient CHP as well as district heating and cooling (article 10)

The directive is currently discussed in the EU Parliament and the Council where member states reject binding measures and, on the background of the economic crisis, ask for more flexibility and the possibility to adapt energy saving plans tailored to individual countries.

The heating and cooling industry generally welcomes the introduction of the new directive. However, it criticizes the draft as being too restrictive in only promoting CHP and district heating and cooling. Industry associations such as EPEE and EHPA ask to include also other energy efficient solutions such as heat pump technology, etc.

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