Energy Guides

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Committee on Industry, Research and Energy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 17 February 2010, 13:22 CET

Responsibilities, contacts and latest studies of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

EU - Iraq Strategic Energy Partnership Memorandum of Understanding - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 18 January 2010, 16:00 CET

The European Union and the Republic of Iraq have signed in Baghdad, Iraq, a Memorandum of Understanding on a "Strategic Energy Partnership" which provides a political framework for reinforcing energy relations between Iraq and the EU. It also outlines priorities for future cooperation, taking into account the possible role of Iraq as a natural gas supplier for the Southern Corridor and that Iraq has the world's third largest proven petroleum reserves; Iraq could become an energy bridge between the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the EU.

Energy efficiency: energy performance of buildings by Ina Dimireva — last modified 06 January 2010, 01:35 CET

The Member States must apply minimum requirements as regards the energy performance of new and existing buildings, ensure the certification of their energy performance and require the regular inspection of boilers and air conditioning systems in buildings.

List of 15 energy projects for European economic recovery by EUbusiness — last modified 09 December 2009, 23:09 CET

The European Commission has approved 15 energy projects which will significantly contribute to the economic recovery of the EU, while increasing our security of energy supply and substantially reduce CO2 emissions. With the decision, the Commission grants EUR 1 billion to six Carbon Capture and Storage projects and EUR 565 million to nine offshore wind energy projects.

Ecodesign for energy-using appliances by Ina Dimireva — last modified 10 December 2009, 16:44 CET

The EU's 'ecodesign' is a new concept aimed at reducing energy consumption by products such as household electrical appliances. Information concerning a product's environmental performance and energy efficiency must be visible if possible on the product itself, thus allowing consumers to compare before purchasing.

SETIS (SET-Plan Information System) - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 08 October 2009, 22:44 CET

The European Commission has launched "SETIS", the online Strategic Energy Technologies (SET-Plan) Information System, which provides the latest research results on the status, forecasts and R&D investment figures for low-carbon technologies. It underpins the effective strategic planning, conception and implementation of EU energy technology policy and serves notably to the implementation of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan). SETIS assesses and monitors those technologies that have a significant potential to help Europe meet its energy and climate change targets, such as wind power, solar power, CCS or bioenergy. The Information System offers interactive tools to compare the maximum potential and energy production costs foreseen for the different technologies over time.

Environment and sustainable management of natural resources by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 October 2009, 22:24 CET

The main objectives of Thematic Programme for Environment and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources including Energy for the period 2007-2013 are to integrate environmental protection requirements into the Community's development and other external policies and to help promote the Community’s environmental and energy policies abroad in the common interest of the Community and partner countries and regions.

Policy Coherence for Development by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 October 2009, 22:28 CET

When exploring ways to accelerate progress towards achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the European Union (EU) considers how non-aid policies can assist developing countries in attaining the MDGs. The EU activity in this field is not only a key political commitment in the context of the MDGs, but also has a firm legal basis in the Treaty establishing the European Community (Article 178).

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council by Ina Dimireva — last modified 25 September 2009, 23:03 CET

Since June 2002 these three policies have been placed under the sole responsibility of a single Council configuration which meets approximately every two months. The composition of the Council varies according to the items on the agenda (Ministers for Transport, Telecommunications or Energy).

EU Climate change and energy package by Ina Dimireva — last modified 03 September 2009, 14:10 CET

To start transforming Europe into a highly energy-efficient, low-carbon economy, EU leaders have committed to cutting emissions by at least 20 per cent independently of what other countries decide to do. To underpin these commitments, they set three key targets to be met by 2020: a 20% reduction in energy consumption compared with projected trends; an increase to 20% in renewable energies' share of total energy consumption; and an increase to 10% in the share of petrol and diesel consumption from sustainably-produced biofuels. The package of climate and energy-related legislative proposals was proposed by the European Commission to implement these commitments and targets.

Energy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 20 August 2009, 23:33 CET

Reliable energy supplies at reasonable prices for businesses and consumers and with the minimum environmental impact are crucial to the European economy. The European Union has therefore identified energy as one of its key priorities.

EU Energy Policy Contacts by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 February 2012, 11:46 CET

 

Energy Infrastructure by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 February 2012, 11:34 CET

The European Union finances electricity and gas transmission infrastructure projects of European interest. A yearly budget of about EUR 25 million is spent mainly for supporting feasibility studies. Most of the projects cross national borders or have an influence on several EU Member States.

Security of Supply by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 February 2012, 11:28 CET

With both energy consumption and dependency on oil and gas imports growing and supplies becoming scarcer, the risk of supply failure is rising. Securing European energy supplies is therefore high on the EU's agenda.

Energy Efficiency by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 February 2012, 11:07 CET

Reducing energy consumption and eliminating energy wastage are among the main goals of the European Union (EU). EU support for improving energy efficiency will prove decisive for competitiveness, security of supply and for meeting the commitments on climate change made under the Kyoto Protocol.

Renewable Energy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 February 2012, 11:22 CET

Renewable sources of energy – wind power, solar power (thermal, photovoltaic and concentrated), hydro-electric power, tidal power, geothermal energy and biomass – are essential alternatives to fossil fuels. Their use reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, diversifies our energy supply and reduces our dependence on unreliable and volatile fossil fuel markets (in particular oil and gas).

Future Energy Policy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 12 August 2009, 17:52 CET

In the autumn of 2005, the Hampton Court summit of EU leaders discussed the need for an overall stocktaking of Europe’s energy policy options. There was a rising concern regarding high oil and gas prices and Europe’s dependency on just a few external suppliers. Warning signs on the worrying effects of climate change were also increasingly evident. To answer the call of the summit, the European Commission opened a wide-ranging debate on a future European energy policy with the publication of a Green Paper in March 2006.

Future Energy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 12 August 2009, 17:53 CET

"The EU and the world are at a cross-roads concerning the future of energy. Climate change, increasing dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, growing imports, and rising energy costs are making our societies and economies vulnerable. These challenges call for a comprehensive and ambitious response." European Commission Renewable Energy Road Map

EU's Energy-related Strategies 2006-2007 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 11 August 2009, 18:41 CET

The European Union's energy policy focuses on creating a competitive internal energy market offering quality service at low prices, on developing renewable energy sources, on reducing dependence on imported fuels, and on doing more with a lower consumption of energy.

EU's Energy-related Strategies 2008-2009 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 11 August 2009, 18:43 CET

The European Union is putting in place an ambitious energy policy – covering the full range of energy sources from fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) to nuclear energy and renewables (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydro-electric and tidal) - in a bid to spark a new industrial revolution that will deliver a low-energy economy, whilst making the energy we do consume more secure, competitive and sustainable.