Enel and EU-ASE welcome the revision of the Directives on Energy Efficiency and Energy Performance of Buildings, proposing an EU long-term framework for improving energy efficiency investments. Buildings and transports offer huge potential for efficiency gains, with 61% and 41% cost-effective energy savings respectively. The International Energy Agency estimates that 70% of emissions cuts to stay below 2°C will come from energy efficiency. Enel and EU-ASE believe that an effective EU policy framework should ensure predictability, security, consistency, flexibility, and market-driven cost-effectiveness, with a focus on urban contexts. They propose setting specific targets for cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in buildings and transports, and underpinning these targets with dedicated policies and measures.
In the building sector, citizens spend 90% of their lives inside buildings, which account for 40% of EU primary energy demand and 36% of CO2 emissions. Existing buildings should be prioritized, with a reliable and coherent EU framework for national long-term renovation strategies. Digitalization will play a key role in managing and integrating renewable and distributed generation, reducing energy consumption, and empowering end-users.
In the transport sector, urban mobility accounts for 40% of all CO2 emissions of road transport, and electric vehicles are the solution to decarbonize transport, improve air quality, and enhance energy efficiency. Smart grids play a crucial role in supporting the development of e-mobility and smart cities. Enel and EU-ASE propose reinforcing the role of electric transport, accelerating EV mass market penetration, leveraging the neutral role of DSOs, designing pricing to minimize technology bias, addressing non-economic barriers, and improving standardization and interoperability.
Key policy actions include:
- Setting specific targets for cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in buildings and transports
- Focusing on the cost-effective potential of building renovation
- Promoting deep renovation of buildings, supported by deep digitalization
- Further developing digitalization of electricity networks
- Extending recharging infrastructure for e-mobility in buildings
- Reinforcing the role of electric transport
- Accelerating EV mass market penetration
- Leveraging the neutral role of DSOs
- Designing pricing to minimize technology bias
- Addressing non-economic barriers
- Improving standardization and interoperability.
