€1.1bn increase in efficiency funding over two years – New research

The study, “Public funding for energy efficiency in the EU,” argues that Member States are increasing funding for energy efficiency, with some Eastern European countries, such as Slovakia, reflecting the trend with its investments, however the firm also state that many investments which would make “economic sense” are “still not realised,” while claiming that a lot needs to be done “to ensure that the legislative framework encourages these opportunities.”

The study emphasises the importance of the European Parliaments “Investment Plan for Europe,” which Ecofys believes has indicated the Commissions willingness to break down barriers to investments into energy efficiency, while also adding that the current upward trend in efficiency funding will hopefully be continued, stating that it is “a sign that resources are shifting to what could become a defining project for Europe.”

Stefan Scheuer, Secretary General of The Coalition for Energy Savings, believes that the increase in public funding for energy efficiency in the EU is encouraging, but it is only one element of what is needed to trigger real investments.

“Member States and the European Commission’s financial efforts to support energy efficiency will not lead to major market uptakes unless they are accompanied by significant structural reforms, including in the areas of public deficit accounting and state aid, and by high ambition for 2030,” he said.

The Coalition for Energy Savings has called on the European Commission to propose a 40 per cent target for 2030 in line with the cost-effective potential for energy savings, along with placing energy efficiency first in reviewing policies such as state aid and public accounting rules, with the Coalition’s members representing more than 500 associations and 200 companies across Europe.

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