Energy

Second Strategic Energy Review

In November 2008, the European Commission published its "Second Strategic Energy Review". It contains multiple documents looking amongst others at energy security, solidarity and climate change proposals in order to meet the 20-20-20 targets.

To read the all the documents, please visit the following link:

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/strategies/2008/2008_11_ser2_en.htm

World Energy Outlook 2008

In November 2008, the International Energy Agency published its WEO 2008.

They ask for a radical change in politics. According to the report, energy demand worldwide will increase by 45% by 2030 if current energy, industry and climate politics will be maintained. The demand for oil and coal will raise sharply.

To read more on the WEO report, please click on the following link:

www.worldenergyoutlook.org

Carbon Capture and Storage: Assessing the Economics

In September 2008, McKinsey published a study on the economics of CCS, stating that the technology could become commercially viable by 2030.

To read the full report, please click on the following link:

http://www.mckinsey.com/clientservice/ccsi/pdf/CCS_Assessing_the_Economics.pdf

OECD Environmental Outlook to 2030

In March 2008, the OECD published the Environmental Outlook to 2030. This report provides analyses of economic and environmental trends to 2030, and simulations of policy actions to address the key challenges. It identifies four priority areas where urgend action is needed: climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and the impact on human health of pollution and toxic chemicals.

To read the Executive Summary of the report, please click here.

OECD slams biofules subsidies

In September 2007, the OECD published a report criticising the current push to expand the use of biofuels. The report argues that it creates unsustainable tensions that disrupt markets without generating siginificant environmental benefits.

To read the full report, please click on the following link:

Biofuels: is the cure worse than the disease? (PDF/en)

Electricity consumption growing in spite of efficiency drive
A report published by the JRC indicates that overall electricity consumption is growing in the EU. Even if the EU and the Member States have adopted numerous successful measures to curb energy consumption and associated CO2 emissions, the electricity consumption in the residential sector of the EU-25 grew at a rate comparable to overall GDP (10.8 percent), effectively nullifying overall savings between 1999 and 2004.

To download the report, please click on:

http://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/energyefficiency/pdf/EnEff%20Report%202006.pdf

The role of electricity

In March 2007, Eurelectric (The Union of the Electricity Industry) published a report called "The Role of Electricity - A new path to secure and competitive energy in a carbon-contrstrained world". This report is the result of year-long project designed to draw up a clear view on the future role of electriticty in helping to meet the energy challenges.

To read the full report, please click here:

http://www2.eurelectric.org/Content/Default.asp?PageID=730

What energy policy for the European Union?

In March 2007, the French think tank Institut Montaigne published its report "What energy policy for the European Union?". This report underlines why and how Europe must give itself a common energy policy. Seven priorities for action are identified, accompanied by concrete proposals. To download the report, please click here:

http://www.institutmontaigne.org/medias/rapport_energie_uk_internet.pdf

Energy and Climate Change Package

On January 10th, the European Commission has proposed a comprehensive and ambitious package of measures to establish a new Energy Policy for Europe in order to combat climate change, boost the EU's energy security and competitiveness. The aim is to create a true internal market for energy and strengthen effective regulation. All documents can be found at the following website:

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/energy_policy/index_en.htm

World Energy Technology Outlook 2050 (WETO-H2)

In January 2007, the European Commission - DG Research - published the World Energy Technology Outlook 2050. The study shows the need for a radical change in Europe's energy mix to face the challenge of energy security and climate change. The report serves as background for the energy/climate package published on 10 January 2007. It predicts the development of the world's and Europe's energy system to 2050 using three different scenarios.

European Commission: World Energy Technology Outlook 2050 (WETO-H2) (PDF/en)

A Sustainable Common Energy Policy for Europe

In November 2006, the Socialist Group in the European Parliament adopted its position paper on Energy Policy, hereby expressing its recommendations to the European Council.

PSE Group: A Sustainable Common Energy Policy for Europe (PDF/en)

The European Gas Market

In October 2006, Eurogas presented the perspectives on the long-term gas market development in the context of wider global considerations by publishing its report "The European Gas Market - Eurogas Views on the Way Forward". The report stresses the important challenge of attracting diversified gas supplies to Europe and measures needs to improve implementation of the internal market.

Eurogas: The European Gas Market. Eurogas views on the way forward (PDF/en)

Uk Energy Review

The UK Government concluded its Energy Review in July 2006 with the publication of a far-reaching range of proposals designed to reinforce the UK's long-term energy policy in the face of threats posed by climate change and to energy security. Its main elements are a new generation of nuclear power plants, promoting the use of renewable energy and a stronger energy saving policy.

UK Department of Trade and Industry: UK Energy Review (PDF/en)

European Energy and Transport: Trends to 2030

The "Trends to 2030" publication by the European Commission in May 2006 gives detailed projections on energy and transport for the EU-25. It also addresses wider European and world developments. These "baseline" projections show how the future energy, transport and CO2 emssions may unfold with a continuation of current trends and policies. They are built on a modelling approach encompassing both energy demand and supply.

European Commission: European Energy and Transport, Trends to 2030 - update 2005 (PDF/en)

A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy

In March 2006, the European Commission opened the debate on a future common European Energy Policy by publishing the Green Book "A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy". It includes suggestions such as completing the opening of European gas and electricity markets and stepping up relations with major suppliers such as Russia and OPEC. Other key suggestions include boosting renewable energies, energy efficiency and research on low-carbon technologies.

European Commission: A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy - Greenpaper (PDF/en)

EU Strategy for Biofuels

In February 2006, the European Commission has published its Strategy for Biofuels. The objectives are amonst others to stimulate demand for biofuels, to capture environmental benefits, to develop the production and distribution of biofuels, to enhance trade opportunities and to support developing countries.

European Commission: EU-Strategy for Biofuels (PDF/en)

Biomass Action Plan

In December 2005, the European Commission has put forward its Biomass Action Plan. Its main objective is to double its share by 2010.

European Commisssion: Biomass Action Plan (PDF/en)