Power Shifts wiki - User contributions [en]

Category:Heidelberg:REGI

2017-10-19T15:57:52Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|Energy as a commons? With paradigms, new markets and opportunities arising with digitalising in the energy sector and democratising means of production and distribution, how can regulation be designed in such a way that energy systems in these markets are equitable and ensure participation across society? }}

The Committee on Regional development in Heidelberg will focus on the power shift from '''centralised to decentralised''' distribution systems. With EU citizens' growing awareness of '''environmental issues''', new '''technological developments''' and '''[[Smart_grid|smart power grids]]''' on the horizon, a shift towards a distributed system that includes consumers and turns them into co-producers is a possible future for Europe's energy union. There are many challenges that have to be met before such a transfer can take place: The '''liberalisation''' of the energy market is still not fully implemented and few investments are in place to fund distributed systems. Moreover, the data recorded through power grids raises questions concerning '''data storage''' and '''protection''' and there is currently no strategy on who would regulate a European-wide power grid and how. Finally, many citizens seem to be “energy illiterate”, lacking the necessary knowledge to participate in a new decentralised system. To overcome these obstacles and ensure a bright future for distributed systems in the energy union is what REGI will cover in committee work and resolution. 

== The Past: Distributing energy the traditional way ==
While energy production reliant on coal and other fossil fuels decreased over the last 20 years and the percentage of renewables in the EU's energy mix is steadily increasing, the long-awaited energy revolution has yet to start and the EU's amount of energy production is decreasing as a whole.<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/2014_energy_market_en.pdf</ref> Especially in times where demand and consumption are still steadily increasing, this become more and more of a problem.
 
[[File:Traditional Power Grid.JPG|thumb|The traditional power grid]]
Energy distribution systems are traditionally centralised and one-directional: A power plant of any kind generates the energy that is then transmitted. Distribution systems then proceed to, as their name would suggest, distribute the energy to the consumers.<ref>http://www.edsoforsmartgrids.eu/home/why-smart-grids/</ref>
Nowadays electricity also tends to take over other forms of energy as well, as shown by the rising popularity of electric cars. This may accelerate the ever-growing demand for energy even further.
On the infrastructural side of things, the ageing energy infrastructure of most Member States should also be taken into consideration. This stands in stark contrast with many modern energy-related technologies such as smart grids, renewable energy sources as well as energy trading systems.
 

With decreasing EU energy production but increasing demand and consumption, geopolitical issues such as the EU-Russia tensions that have significant influence on fossil fuel imports into the EU gain relevance.

== The Present: Obstacles to be addressed ==
=== The economic dimension ===
As of now, almost all of the energy distribution is done within centralised systems. Investments into the technology of smart grids have been relatively low and are coming from governmental resources only. Furthermore, the energy market rules would have to be newly defined and the roles of [[Distribution System Operators (DSOs)]] and [[Transmission System Operator|Transmission System Operators (TSOs)]] would change fundamentally. 

Energy markets are often unpredictable and uncontrollable, which is why the question whether affordable energy prices for consumers can be assured has been raised. Apart from that, only large infrastructure programmes have been funded.

=== The societal dimension ===
In the current system, the user is a passive consumer, always dependent on utility companies and ignorant of how the energy system works. As it is uncertain whether benefits would outweigh the costs for consumers and the liberalisation of the energy market is still ongoing. On the question whether a possible European-wide power grid should also be regulated on a European level, opinions are divided. On top of that, it is still uncertain how consumers are going to be motivated to become co-producers of energy, how the required knowledge about grid possibilities is spread as well as how the public can become involved in large-scale projects.

=== The technological dimension ===
Data protection is a hot topic when talking about the possibilities and opportunities of smart grids. The recording of consumers' energy usage data creates a new data risk and opens the door for exploitation if no preemptive measures are taken. Cyber attacks disabling the grid could have dramatic consequences, questioning its reliability. With the introduction of smart grids, huge amounts of data would need to be stored.

== The Future: Smart grids - an outlook to what is possible ==
=== The economic dimension ===
In theory, the efficiency of energy usage would heavily increase in a smart grid-based system, as energy would be used more efficiently and energy overflow could be avoided. The flexibility of the power grid would therefore be increased, as information on the energy use of residentials enables its efficiency. 

The EU's smart grid task force presented a possible model for the various actors, their relations and tasks. In its opinion, there should be information and data exchange between the suppliers and aggregators as well as DSOs and TSOs. The generated energy would get to the supplying and aggregating parties through a balance responsible party through some sort of financial adjustment mechanism. Consumers could that way get access to the energy as well as obtain grid access. The aforementioned balance responsible parties would serve as the interface with the power exchange market.<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/EG3%20Final%20-%20January%202015.pdf</ref>
[[File:Possible tasks and relatons in a smart grid system.JPG|thumb|Possible tasks and relations in a smart grid system according to the European Commission's Task Force on Smart Grids.]]

=== The societal dimension ===
Through the introduction of smart grids, consumers turn into co-producers of energy as they actively participate in the energy grid. As outlined in the section above, this is only possible through an increase in energy literacy of citizens connected to the smart power grid. Subsequently, the decentralisation of energy through the means of smart power grids is only possible through the empowerment of the citizens connected to it.

=== The technological dimension ===
In a smart grid system, both electricity and information are exchanged, which is why interoperability within smart power grids has to be ensured. The reporting of energy usage would increase the efficiency of energy distribution. The European Commission has come forward with various possible systems for managing the data recorded in a smart grid. This includes delegating the responsibility of market facilitation to DSOs, introducing third party market facilitators and an independent central hub as well as solving the problem through [[Data Access Point Managers]]. 
[[File:Smart grids data managment models.JPG|thumb|Three different possible data management models proposed by the European Commission.]]

Furthermore, the technology [[microgrids]] should be kept in mind, as they could counteract possible security risks for the grids and manage the power grid at a regional and local level. 

One suggestion for an open model for the consumption data flow allows energy service companies to have dynamic data access to both production and consumption of energy in a household. The supplier would also get access to the energy used by a household, enabling a dynamic flow of energy. An interface would record said data, making a note of the amount of energy, gas and hot water being used. Additionally to the dynamic data access, historical data access would be saved through secure data transmission to then be forwarded to suppliers and energy service companies.

=== The environmental dimension ===
As consumers would be more likely to install renewable sources of energy (e.g. solar panels) in a smart grid system, democratising energy distribution pushes decarbonisation even further. Additionally, consumers have a greater, more active influence on the amount of renewable energy in Europe's energy mix.

== The Actors: Who is involved ==
*'''European Commission & Directorate General on Energy'''
The European Commission is the main initiator of European law drafted. Its staff works in a wide variety of different fields and is divided by topics, the so-called Directorates Generals. The Directorate General on Energy deals with all matters related to energy, including the future of smart power grids. It reports to the Commissioner on Energy Miguel Arias Cañete as well as Vice-President of the Commission Maroš Šefčovič who is focussed on the establishment of the Energy Union. The Directorate General is divided into several Directorates. The task force on smart grids works within the framework of the Directorate General on Energy and is lead by Manuel Sánchez-Jiménez. It is noteworthy that the field of energy falls under the group of shared competences for the EU. 

*'''Member States’ energy ministries and distribution systems'''
The national and regional execution of smart grids and similar technologies still lies in the hands of the Member States and their ministries responsible for energy of course. On the technical side, the various different distribution systems should be taken into account, since one of the reports of the European Commission found that using existing infrastructure is one of the key lessons learned. 

*'''EU citizens as “prosumers”'''
The EU citizens have the ground-breaking opportunity to turn from consumers in the old-fashioned power grid system into contributing prosumers in an advanced smart grid system, thus boosting energy efficiency as well as decarbonisation.

*'''DSOs and TSOs'''
The roles and responsibilities DSOs and TSOs would have will change fundamentally when applying the smart grid idea and should therefore be taken into account.

*'''Energy service companies'''
With smart grids revolutionizing the energy market as we know it, the future of energy service companies is equally uncertain. What role they will play and especially what the regulatory framework around them should look like is to be defined.

== Measures in Place: What has been done ==
The Energy Union has become more and more important in the recent years. Its goal is it to ensure secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy across the EU.<ref>https://ec.europa.eu/commission/priorities/energy-union-and-climate_en</ref>

In its energy and gas directives in 2009<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009L0072&from=en</ref><ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:211:0094:0136:en:PDF</ref>, the EU set fundamental rules for an internal energy market, revising and expanding another directive from 2003. 
In its energy efficiency directive from 2012<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:315:0001:0056:en:PDF</ref> it was decided to shift to a more energy efficient future for the EU's Energy Union and the directive to deploy infrastructure for alternative fuels was introduced in 2014.<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014L0094&from=EN</ref> 

2012 was also the year when European Commission prepared for the roll-out of [[smart meters]].<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32012H0148&from=EN</ref> They followed up with a recommendation for the data protection of deployed smart meters as well as smart grids in general.<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014H0724&from=EN</ref> 

In preparation for the upcoming legal measures regarding smart grids and technology connected to it, the European Commission released a communication document in 2011, presenting various challenges connected to smart grids, such as funding of smart grid projects, technical standards across the continent, data protection, a regulatory framework, a competitive and open retail market and the continued support for technology and systems behind a smart grid system.<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0202:FIN:EN:PDF</ref> That was followed up by a similar document in 2012. This time the European Commission outlined the benefits of an open, integrated and flexible energy market and how to get the most out of the internal energy market.<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0663:FIN:EN:PDF</ref> How public intervention could have fundamental influence on the energy market was brought up for the first time in 2013 by the European Commission.<ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/com_2013_public_intervention_en.pdf</ref><ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/com_2013_public_intervention_swd07_en.pdf</ref> 

In the middle of 2014, the Directorate General on Energy released a report on benchmarking results of smart metering deployment, naming the usage of available standards and the right set of functionalities to ensure interoperability and guarantee data protection, the need for a specific data privacy and security framework and getting the consumer on board as the key lessons learned from pilot programmes.<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52014DC0356&from=EN</ref> 

The funding of smart grid technologies was up to € 3.15 billion in 2013, while 26% was invested in research and development and 74% in Demo and Deployment. The main investors at the moment are France and the United Kingdom, followed by Germany and Spain.
[[File:Smart grid funding.JPG|thumb|Funding of smart grid projects in the EU as of 2013.]]

The [[SET-Plan|European Strategic Energy Technology Plan]] (SET-Plan) aims to accelerate the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies. It seeks to improve new technologies and bring down costs by coordinating national research efforts and helping to finance projects. 
The [[Trans-European Energy Networks]] (TEN-E) – are programmes set up by the EU for the implementation of the European Single Market. The Trans-European Networks aim at "linking island, landlocked and peripheral regions with the central regions of the community”.

== Conclusion ==
Moving on from a past of the traditional power grids is hampered by various present obstacles such as distribution and transmission system operators as well as energy service companies stuck in the past, lacking knowledge of consumers and possible security risks. The rewards for a transfer towards smart power grids include an energy efficient, decentralised system that includes consumers as co-producers and pushed for the systematic decarbonisation of Europe's energy production.

== Links for further Research ==
*An article about energy as a common good: https://blog.p2pfoundation.net/energy-as-a-common-good/2017/02/22 
*An article about how future energy technologies will change the life of a consumer: http://energyandcarbon.com/digitalisation-energy-implications/ 
*A citizens' Q&A by the Council of European Energy Regulators: http://www.ceer.eu/portal/page/portal/EER_HOME/EER_PUBLICATIONS/CEER_PAPERS/Electricity/Tab3/0C9D9B1CD9645A0EE050A8C03C2F585D 
*A power point presentation on the historical developments of smart grid regulation and steps ahead: http://iee-empowering.eu/en/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2-Recent-Policy-Initiatives-by-the-European-Commission_M.SANCHEZ.pdf 
*A report by the Smart Grid Task Force: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/EG3%20Final%20-%20January%202015.pdf 

==References==

[[Category:REGI]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

Category:Heidelberg:REGI

2017-08-13T13:47:14Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|Energy as a commons? With paradigms, new markets and opportunities arising with digitalisation and democratisation in the energy sector, how can regulation be designed in such a way that energy systems in these markets are equitable and ensure participation across society?}}

The Committee on Regional development in Heidelberg will focus on the power shift from '''centralised to decentralised''' distribution systems. With EU citizens' growing awareness of '''environmental issues''', new '''technological developments''' and '''[[Smart_grid|smart power grids]]''' on the horizon, a shift towards a distributed system that includes consumers and turns them into co-producers is a possible future for Europe's energy union. There are many challenges that have to be met before such a transfer can take place: The '''liberalisation''' of the energy market is still not fully implemented and few investments are in place to fund distributed systems. Moreover, the data recorded through power grids raises questions concerning '''data storage''' and '''protection''' and there is currently no strategy on who would regulate a European-wide power grid and how. Finally, many citizens seem to be “energy illiterate”, lacking the necessary knowledge to participate in a new decentralised system. To overcome these obstacles and ensure a bright future for distributed systems in the energy union is what REGI will cover in committee work and resolution. 

== The Past: Distributing energy the traditional way ==
While energy production reliant on coal and other fossil fuels decreased over the last 20 years and the percentage of renewables in the EU's energy mix is steadily increasing, the long-awaited energy revolution has yet to start and the EU's amount of energy production is decreasing as a whole.<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/2014_energy_market_en.pdf</ref> Especially in times where demand and consumption are still steadily increasing, this become more and more of a problem.
 
[[File:Traditional Power Grid.JPG|thumb|The traditional power grid]]
Energy distribution systems are traditionally centralised and one-directional: A power plant of any kind generates the energy that is then transmitted. Distribution systems then proceed to, as their name would suggest, distribute the energy to the consumers.<ref>http://www.edsoforsmartgrids.eu/home/why-smart-grids/</ref>
Nowadays electricity also tends to take over other forms of energy as well, as shown by the rising popularity of electric cars. This may accelerate the ever-growing demand for energy even further.
On the infrastructural side of things, the ageing energy infrastructure of most Member States should also be taken into consideration. This stands in stark contrast with many modern energy-related technologies such as smart grids, renewable energy sources as well as energy trading systems.
 

With decreasing EU energy production but increasing demand and consumption, geopolitical issues such as the EU-Russia tensions that have significant influence on fossil fuel imports into the EU gain relevance.

== The Present: Obstacles to be addressed ==
=== The economic dimension ===
As of now, almost all of the energy distribution is done within centralised systems. Investments into the technology of smart grids have been relatively low and are coming from governmental resources only. Furthermore, the energy market rules would have to be newly defined and the roles of [[Distribution System Operators (DSOs)]] and [[Transmission System Operator|Transmission System Operators (TSOs)]] would change fundamentally. 

Energy markets are often unpredictable and uncontrollable, which is why the question whether affordable energy prices for consumers can be assured has been raised. Apart from that, only large infrastructure programmes have been funded.

=== The societal dimension ===
In the current system, the user is a passive consumer, always dependent on utility companies and ignorant of how the energy system works. As it is uncertain whether benefits would outweigh the costs for consumers and the liberalisation of the energy market is still ongoing. On the question whether a possible European-wide power grid should also be regulated on a European level, opinions are divided. On top of that, it is still uncertain how consumers are going to be motivated to become co-producers of energy, how the required knowledge about grid possibilities is spread as well as how the public can become involved in large-scale projects.

=== The technological dimension ===
Data protection is a hot topic when talking about the possibilities and opportunities of smart grids. The recording of consumers' energy usage data creates a new data risk and opens the door for exploitation if no preemptive measures are taken. Cyber attacks disabling the grid could have dramatic consequences, questioning its reliability. With the introduction of smart grids, huge amounts of data would need to be stored.

== The Future: Smart grids - an outlook to what is possible ==
=== The economic dimension ===
In theory, the efficiency of energy usage would heavily increase in a smart grid-based system, as energy would be used more efficiently and energy overflow could be avoided. The flexibility of the power grid would therefore be increased, as information on the energy use of residentials enables its efficiency. 

The EU's smart grid task force presented a possible model for the various actors, their relations and tasks. In its opinion, there should be information and data exchange between the suppliers and aggregators as well as DSOs and TSOs. The generated energy would get to the supplying and aggregating parties through a balance responsible party through some sort of financial adjustment mechanism. Consumers could that way get access to the energy as well as obtain grid access. The aforementioned balance responsible parties would serve as the interface with the power exchange market.<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/EG3%20Final%20-%20January%202015.pdf</ref>
[[File:Possible tasks and relatons in a smart grid system.JPG|thumb|Possible tasks and relations in a smart grid system according to the European Commission's Task Force on Smart Grids.]]

=== The societal dimension ===
Through the introduction of smart grids, consumers turn into co-producers of energy as they actively participate in the energy grid. As outlined in the section above, this is only possible through an increase in energy literacy of citizens connected to the smart power grid. Subsequently, the decentralisation of energy through the means of smart power grids is only possible through the empowerment of the citizens connected to it.

=== The technological dimension ===
In a smart grid system, both electricity and information are exchanged, which is why interoperability within smart power grids has to be ensured. The reporting of energy usage would increase the efficiency of energy distribution. The European Commission has come forward with various possible systems for managing the data recorded in a smart grid. This includes delegating the responsibility of market facilitation to DSOs, introducing third party market facilitators and an independent central hub as well as solving the problem through [[Data Access Point Managers]]. 
[[File:Smart grids data managment models.JPG|thumb|Three different possible data management models proposed by the European Commission.]]

Furthermore, the technology [[microgrids]] should be kept in mind, as they could counteract possible security risks for the grids and manage the power grid at a regional and local level. 

One suggestion for an open model for the consumption data flow allows energy service companies to have dynamic data access to both production and consumption of energy in a household. The supplier would also get access to the energy used by a household, enabling a dynamic flow of energy. An interface would record said data, making a note of the amount of energy, gas and hot water being used. Additionally to the dynamic data access, historical data access would be saved through secure data transmission to then be forwarded to suppliers and energy service companies.

=== The environmental dimension ===
As consumers would be more likely to install renewable sources of energy (e.g. solar panels) in a smart grid system, democratising energy distribution pushes decarbonisation even further. Additionally, consumers have a greater, more active influence on the amount of renewable energy in Europe's energy mix.

== The Actors: Who is involved ==
*'''European Commission & Directorate General on Energy'''
The European Commission is the main initiator of European law drafted. Its staff works in a wide variety of different fields and is divided by topics, the so-called Directorates Generals. The Directorate General on Energy deals with all matters related to energy, including the future of smart power grids. It reports to the Commissioner on Energy Miguel Arias Cañete as well as Vice-President of the Commission Maroš Šefčovič who is focussed on the establishment of the Energy Union. The Directorate General is divided into several Directorates. The task force on smart grids works within the framework of the Directorate General on Energy and is lead by Manuel Sánchez-Jiménez. It is noteworthy that the field of energy falls under the group of shared competences for the EU. 

*'''Member States’ energy ministries and distribution systems'''
The national and regional execution of smart grids and similar technologies still lies in the hands of the Member States and their ministries responsible for energy of course. On the technical side, the various different distribution systems should be taken into account, since one of the reports of the European Commission found that using existing infrastructure is one of the key lessons learned. 

*'''EU citizens as “prosumers”'''
The EU citizens have the ground-breaking opportunity to turn from consumers in the old-fashioned power grid system into contributing prosumers in an advanced smart grid system, thus boosting energy efficiency as well as decarbonisation.

*'''DSOs and TSOs'''
The roles and responsibilities DSOs and TSOs would have will change fundamentally when applying the smart grid idea and should therefore be taken into account.

*'''Energy service companies'''
With smart grids revolutionizing the energy market as we know it, the future of energy service companies is equally uncertain. What role they will play and especially what the regulatory framework around them should look like is to be defined.

== Measures in Place: What has been done ==
The Energy Union has become more and more important in the recent years. Its goal is it to ensure secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy across the EU.<ref>https://ec.europa.eu/commission/priorities/energy-union-and-climate_en</ref>

In its energy and gas directives in 2009<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009L0072&from=en</ref><ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:211:0094:0136:en:PDF</ref>, the EU set fundamental rules for an internal energy market, revising and expanding another directive from 2003. 
In its energy efficiency directive from 2012<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:315:0001:0056:en:PDF</ref> it was decided to shift to a more energy efficient future for the EU's Energy Union and the directive to deploy infrastructure for alternative fuels was introduced in 2014.<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014L0094&from=EN</ref> 

2012 was also the year when European Commission prepared for the roll-out of [[smart meters]].<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32012H0148&from=EN</ref> They followed up with a recommendation for the data protection of deployed smart meters as well as smart grids in general.<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014H0724&from=EN</ref> 

In preparation for the upcoming legal measures regarding smart grids and technology connected to it, the European Commission released a communication document in 2011, presenting various challenges connected to smart grids, such as funding of smart grid projects, technical standards across the continent, data protection, a regulatory framework, a competitive and open retail market and the continued support for technology and systems behind a smart grid system.<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0202:FIN:EN:PDF</ref> That was followed up by a similar document in 2012. This time the European Commission outlined the benefits of an open, integrated and flexible energy market and how to get the most out of the internal energy market.<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0663:FIN:EN:PDF</ref> How public intervention could have fundamental influence on the energy market was brought up for the first time in 2013 by the European Commission.<ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/com_2013_public_intervention_en.pdf</ref><ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/com_2013_public_intervention_swd07_en.pdf</ref> 

In the middle of 2014, the Directorate General on Energy released a report on benchmarking results of smart metering deployment, naming the usage of available standards and the right set of functionalities to ensure interoperability and guarantee data protection, the need for a specific data privacy and security framework and getting the consumer on board as the key lessons learned from pilot programmes.<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52014DC0356&from=EN</ref> 

The funding of smart grid technologies was up to € 3.15 billion in 2013, while 26% was invested in research and development and 74% in Demo and Deployment. The main investors at the moment are France and the United Kingdom, followed by Germany and Spain.
[[File:Smart grid funding.JPG|thumb|Funding of smart grid projects in the EU as of 2013.]]

The [[SET-Plan|European Strategic Energy Technology Plan]] (SET-Plan) aims to accelerate the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies. It seeks to improve new technologies and bring down costs by coordinating national research efforts and helping to finance projects. 
The [[Trans-European Energy Networks]] (TEN-E) – are programmes set up by the EU for the implementation of the European Single Market. The Trans-European Networks aim at "linking island, landlocked and peripheral regions with the central regions of the community”.

== Conclusion ==
Moving on from a past of the traditional power grids is hampered by various present obstacles such as distribution and transmission system operators as well as energy service companies stuck in the past, lacking knowledge of consumers and possible security risks. The rewards for a transfer towards smart power grids include an energy efficient, decentralised system that includes consumers as co-producers and pushed for the systematic decarbonisation of Europe's energy production.

== Links for further Research ==
*An article about energy as a common good: https://blog.p2pfoundation.net/energy-as-a-common-good/2017/02/22 
*An article about how future energy technologies will change the life of a consumer: http://energyandcarbon.com/digitalisation-energy-implications/ 
*A citizens' Q&A by the Council of European Energy Regulators: http://www.ceer.eu/portal/page/portal/EER_HOME/EER_PUBLICATIONS/CEER_PAPERS/Electricity/Tab3/0C9D9B1CD9645A0EE050A8C03C2F585D 
*A power point presentation on the historical developments of smart grid regulation and steps ahead: http://iee-empowering.eu/en/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2-Recent-Policy-Initiatives-by-the-European-Commission_M.SANCHEZ.pdf 
*A report by the Smart Grid Task Force: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/EG3%20Final%20-%20January%202015.pdf 

==References==

[[Category:REGI]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

IEE

2017-08-13T09:42:56Z

Kerstin: Redirected page to Intelligent Energy-Europe

#REDIRECT [[Intelligent Energy-Europe]]

EU Emissions Trading System

2017-08-13T09:41:20Z

Kerstin:

The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a Cap and Trade system implemented at the European level. Based on the polluter pays principle, the main objective of this system is to reduce greenhouse gasses and air pollutant emissions by implementing a system of yearly emissions quotas allocated for each company (the cap). On a common market based on the law of supply and demand, these quotas can be exchanged between companies (trade system) according to their needs. To ensure a the successful achievement of the objectives to reduce the emissions, the system includes more and more countries and companies each year.

[https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets_en The European Trading System (ETS), European Commission]

[[Category:Heidelberg:ENVI]]
[[Category:Heidelberg:AFET]]
[[Category:Warsaw:CLIM]]

EU Emissions Trading System

2017-08-13T09:39:45Z

Kerstin:

Category:Heidelberg:AFET

2017-08-13T09:39:03Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|Securing gas supply for good: Given the controversy around Nord Stream 2 as well as Europe’s energy dependence on Russia, what stance should the EU take in order to ensure both a solidary and diversified supply of gas?}}

In 2016, Europe imported 53.5% of its energy needs.<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Energy_production_and_imports Eurostat: Energy Production Statistics 2016]</ref> In the coming years Europe's energy dependency is expected to increase, also due to the decline of domestic gas production in Northwestern Europe.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/20160712_Summary_Ref_scenario_MAIN_RESULTS%20%282%29-web.pdf European Commission: EU reference scenarios 2016]</ref> Given that the reform of the [[EU Emissions Trading System|EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS)]] will lead to a coal-to-gas switching in the electricity sector, natural gas will continue to play an important role in European energy demand. Today, EU countries face three options: cutting back on consumption, develop their shale gas resources or increasing imports. Renewable energies will show strong growth but, despite their centrality in switching to a green energy market, will still need to be complemented by gas.<ref>[http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/analytics/?doc=124714 The Baltic Course analytics]</ref> Therefore the EU is working to develop a new energy policy which will further secure gas supply in the future.

[[File:18983272 1528693077200929 495985229 n.jpg|thumbnail|[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/20160712_Summary_Ref_scenario_MAIN_RESULTS%20%282%29-web.pdf Gas - production, net imports and demand]]]

==Background==
[[File:proven_gas_reserve_surrounding_europe.jpg|thumbnail|[http://www.ewi.research-scenarios.de/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Options-for-Gas-Supply-Diversification.pdf Proven gas reserves surrounding Europe]]]

About one quarter of all the energy used in the EU is natural gas, and many EU countries import nearly all their energy supplies, such as Italy (75.9%), Spain (72.9%) and Germany (61.4%), followed by France (46.1%) and the United Kingdom (45.5%).<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/7150363/8-04022016-AP-EN.pdf/c92466d9-903e-417c-ad76-4c35678113fd Eurostat newsrelease: Energy Dependency in the EU 2016]</ref> Some of these countries are also heavily reliant on a single source or a single transport route for the majority of their gas.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/23/world/europe/23iht-pipeline.4.7231553.html The New York Times "Gaxprom pƒlans to re-route controversial European pipeline" 2007]</ref> For the time being, Russia remains Europe’s largest gas supplier, followed by Saudi Arabia and Norway.<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Energy_production_and_imports Eurostat: Energy production and imports 2016]</ref> The high level of mutual dependence involving the two sides may be the key for a future settlement: the European Union relies on Gazprom (the only producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Russia) for about a third of its natural gas supply, and Russia earns significant revenue from selling gas to Europe.<ref>[http://www.gazprom.com/ Gazprom official website]</ref> Yet, in 2017 17% of the global population lacks access to electricity.<ref>[https://www.iea.org/topics/energypoverty/ International Energy Agency (IEA): Energy access and Energy poverty]</ref> Energy poverty in Europe is still a relevant issue, as it affects nearly 11% of the EU population. Due to rising energy prices, low income and poor energy efficient homes, particularly prevalent in Central Eastern and Southern Europe (notably Bulgaria<ref>[https://iaee.org/en/publications/newsletterdl.aspx?id=226 International Association for Energy Economics: Energy Poverty: the Bulgarian Case 2014]</ref> and Greece<ref>[http://www.housingeurope.eu/blog-913/energy-poverty-in-greece Housing Europe: Energy Poverty in Greece 2017]</ref>) around 54 million people in Europe cannot afford to adequately heat their homes at an affordable cost.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/news/energy-poverty-may-affect-nearly-11-eu-population European Commission (Energy): Energy may affect nearly 11% of the EU population, 2015]</ref>
In order to secure gas supply for all and prevent shortages, the EU countries need to be prepared to manage gas supply disruptions if a crisis occurs, both concerning infrastructure and geopolitical tensions. For this reason, the EU is concentrating on developing an effective emergency response, alongside improving gas transmission systems and maintaining stable foreign relations.
==Areas of conflict==
[[File:demand_for_infrastructure_investment.jpg|thumbnail|[http://www.ewi.research-scenarios.de/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Options-for-Gas-Supply-Diversification.pdf Demand for infrastructure investments (BCM/A) between 2020 and 2030 in the gas sail scenario]]]

The challenges that the European Union and its Member States have to face in securing gas supply concern mainly infrastructure and geopolitical tensions. On one side, infrastructure failure can cause disruptions along gas transport routes and, on the other, supplies can be endangered by political disputes.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/imports-and-secure-supplies/secure-gas-supplies European Commission (Energy): Secure gas supply, 2017]</ref>

===Infrastructure===
*'''''Safety'''''
Safety refers to achieving an acceptably low risk to life and health in the design, construction, operation, and
decommissioning of a system. Some EU countries have either inefficient or lack energy infrastructure. In the Baltic countries the absence of energy interconnections with the energy systems of Northern and Western Europe, represents a risk for their energy security.
*'''''Standards'''''
Member States have different standards for daily operations and technical construction of gas pipelines. For this reason project execution and time delivery of projects can be problematic. The European Parliament believes that a higher degree of standardization will ease the integration and transmission among countries.<ref>[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/note/join/2009/416239/IPOL-ITRE_NT(2009)416239_EN.pdf European Parliament: Gas and Oil pipelines in Europe 2009]</ref> In fact, the parts of the interconnected transmission system within national borders are owned and operated by national entities. The pipeline capacity is allocated on a national basis even if more than 60% of the EU’s gas supply crosses more than one national border.
*'''''Economic issues'''''
Transmission pipeline investments expenditures are very high. The payback time is long and the uncertainties and risks are many. The recovery of those investments is mainly based on long term agreements. Therefore private investors unlikely will ensure sufficient capacity for gas supply at a national level. For this reason, the investors in the pipeline transmission capacity inside the EU are primarily state-owned Transmission System Operators (TSOs), who have natural monopolies as they build, own and operate pipeline infrastructure.<ref>[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/note/join/2009/416239/IPOL-ITRE_NT(2009)416239_EN.pdf European Parliament: Gas and Oil pipelines in Europe 2009]</ref> As a consequence, the diversification of gas supply is limited.

===Geopolitical tensions===
Europe’s gas suppliers are poorly diversified. However, this implies various risks concerning security of imports. In the gas sector, Gazprom enjoys a complete monopoly on many EU countries (such as the Baltic States). As a consequence the supply of natural gas may be limited or stopped or its price may be lifted at any time without warning. The possibility that Russia may use these instruments to create direct political or economic pressure on national governments, or as a means of sanctioning, is even a greater risk.<ref>[http://iep-berlin.de/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/SPES_Policy_Papers_2011_MOLIS.pdf Policy Papers SPES - Rethinking EU-Russia energy relations: what do the Baltic States want? 2011]</ref> Already in 2009 Russia cut gas exports via Ukraine towards Europe of 60%<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1106382/Europe-plunged-energy-crisis-Russia-cuts-gas-supply-Ukraine.html Mail Online, by Robert Lea "Europe plunged into energy crisis as Russia cuts off gas supply via Ukraine" 2009]</ref> and in 2014 forced the EU to act as a guarantor for Ukraine's gas purchases from Russia following the Crimean crisis.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29842505 BBC News: Russia-Ukraine gas deal secures EU winter supply 2014]</ref> Nonetheless in 2015, Russia halted natural gas supplies to Ukraine. Gazprom said it had halted gas deliveries to Ukraine because it had used up all the gas it had paid for, while the Ukrainian government claimed that the cause was buying gas from cheaper suppliers.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34920207 BBC News: Ukraine closes airspace to all Russian planes 2015]</ref> Today the European Parliament believes that the framework ensuring fair and non-discriminating access to natural gas networks and a free flow over national borders, established through the creation of a European Energy Union and gas network codes,<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/energy/node/54 European Commission (Energy): Gas network codes 2017]</ref> is in need of improvement.<ref>[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/note/join/2009/416239/IPOL-ITRE_NT(2009)416239_EN.pdf European Parliament: Gas and Oil pipelines in Europe 2009]</ref> Specific problems arise in the case of cross-border pipeline projects involving different regulatory framework. There is no clear mechanism for the resolution of potential conflicts and the rights and obligations of stakeholders can differ according to the Member State. Additionally the nature of the gas market may be incompatible between two countries connected by a pipeline, and therefore the integration of different legal regimes may increase the transaction costs of constructing and operating a pipeline.<ref>[http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTOGMC/Resources/crossborderoilandgaspipelines.pdf Joint UNDP World Bank Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP): Cross-Border Oil and Gas Pipelines, Problems and Prospects 2003]</ref> Cooperation between Member States and ensuring regulatory coherence are necessary to secure Europe’s gas supply.
Alongside the aforementioned issues, Member States have different interests concerning gas supply. Poland believes that the [[Nord Stream 2]] project is not consistent with the objectives of the Energy Union, as it does not give access to new sources of gas, but strengthens the position of Russia as the largest natural gas supplier in the European market.<ref>[http://www.thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/301977,Negotiating-with-Russia-on-Nord-Stream-2-is-dangerous-precedent-Polish-MEP Radio Poland "Negotiating with Russia on Nord Stream 2 is dangerous precedent: Polish MEP"]</ref> While Germany is more focused on the liberalisation of the energy market, opening the market for electricity rapidly, boosting competition in energy supply firms and product prices,<ref>[http://www.feem.it/userfiles/attach/Publication/NDL1999/NDL1999-095.pdf Institute of Energy Economics and the Rational Use of Energy (IER) by Claudia Kemfert: The Liberalisation process of the German Electricity Market Strategies and Opportunities 2009]</ref> Poland is trying to secure its energy supply while slowly shifting towards more sustainable energy sources. In fact, coal dominates the power sector of Poland, where it is still the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions as well as a major employer.<ref>[https://www.iea.org/countries/membercountries/poland/ International Energy Agency (IEA): In-depth country review 2016]</ref>

==Key Questions==
*How to reach a diversified supply of gas?
*How to reach further gas supply independence?

==Existing measures==
===Energy as a shared competence===
Energy is a shared competences of the EU, therefore both the EU and Members States are able to legislate and adopt legally binding acts. EU countries exercise their own competence where the EU does not exercise, or has decided not to exercise, its own competence. The energy policy of the EU has three main objectives: security of supply, competitiveness and sustainability.
===Energy Union===
The Commission's second Strategic Energy Review (2008)<ref>[http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/trans/106196.pdf Council of European Union: Council Conclusions on "Second Strategic Energy Review - An EU energy security and solidarity action plan" 2009]</ref> and the Commission's Green paper "Towards a secure, sustainable and competitive European energy network" (2008)<ref>[http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=URISERV%3Aen0004 EUR-Lex Green Paper - Towards a secure, sustainable and competitive European energy network]</ref> have not been enough to provide an efficient framework for investments and European integration in gas networks.
For this purpose the European Commission has launched a European [[Energy Union]] in 2014 to ensure secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy for EU citizens and businesses.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sites/beta-political/files/2-years-on-energy-union_en_0.pdf European Commission: Energy and Climate Action 2016 Power-point presentation]</ref> The Energy Union is meant to assure the free flow of energy across borders, the employment of new technologies and renewed infrastructure,<ref>[https://europa.eu/european-union/topics/energy_en European Union (Energy): Energy Union, 2017]</ref> building on the 2030 Energy and Climate Framework and the [[European Energy Security Strategy]]. The 2030 Energy and Climate Framework works on competitiveness and security of the energy system, such as price differences with major trading partners, diversification of supply, and interconnection capacity between EU countries.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/energy-strategy-and-energy-union/2030-energy-strategy European Commission (Energy): 2030 Energy Strategy, 2017]</ref> The Energy Security Strategy sets out short-term and long-term measures aimed at increasing energy efficiency and production, building missing infrastructure, achieving cohesion and transparency amongst Member States on external energy policies, and strengthening the solidarity mechanism between the EU countries.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/energy-strategy-and-energy-union/energy-security-strategy European Commission (Energy): Energy Security Strategy, 2017]</ref>
===Security of Gas Supply Regulation===
On 27 April 2017 an agreement on a new Security of Gas Supply Regulation was reached. The Commission proposed an update of the Security of Gas Supply Regulation of 2010 in order to help prevent potential gas shortages and respond to them if they happen. The new rules ensure a regionally coordinated and common approach to security of supply measures among EU Member States. This will put the EU in a better position to prepare for and manage gas shortages if a crisis occurs. The main improvements are:
*Introduction of a solidarity principle: in the event of a severe gas crisis, neighbouring Member States will help out to ensure gas supply to households and essential social services.
*Closer regional cooperation: regional groups facilitate the joint assessment of common security of supply risks and the development of an agreement on joint preventive and emergency measures.
*Greater transparency: Natural gas companies will have to notify long-term contracts that are relevant for security of supply (28 % of the annual gas consumption in the Member State).<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/news/new-rules-boost-gas-supply-security-and-solidarity European Commission (Energy): New rules to boost gas supply security and solidarity, 2017]</ref> <ref>[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-resilient-energy-union-with-a-climate-change-policy/file-security-of-gas-supply-regulation-review European Parliament: LEGISLATIVE TRAIN SCHEDULE Resilient Energy Union with a Climate Change Policy, 2017]</ref>
===Third Energy Package===
The European Commission, together with other stakeholders, discussed the main challenges in implementing network codes and guidelines concerning gas networks. The main aim was to provide an integrated European energy market. Member States have agreed to harmonise the rules under which markets and system operations are governed via network codes and guidelines now part of the Third Energy Package (2009). The third package enhances the functioning of the internal energy market and resolve structural problems. It covers five main areas:<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/markets-and-consumers/market-legislation European Commission (Energy): Market legislation (Third Package), 2017]</ref>
*unbundling energy suppliers from network operators
*strengthening the independence of regulators
*establishment of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)
*cross-border cooperation between transmission system operators and the creation of European Networks for Transmission System Operators
*increased transparency in retail markets (the market for the sale of goods or services to consumers rather than producers or intermediaries) to benefit consumers
==Opportunities==
The fact that energy is a shared competence of the EU could represent an opportunity to '''standardise legislations''' concerning gas transmission infrastructure across EU countries, as well as developing a '''Europe-wide legislative framework''' to support the market and the security of gas supply.
However, there are many boundaries to power exchanges in Europe. The european network of transmission system operators for gas (ENTSOG)<ref>[https://www.entsog.eu/ European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) official website]</ref> published the 2017 edition of the ''Ten year network development plan (TYNDP)'', which offers a view on what is needed to achieve Europe's climate objectives by 2030. The package identifies investment needs, proposed '''priority investments''' and stresses the importance of the creation of the '''single European market for gas'''.<ref>[https://www.entsog.eu/mission ENTSOG official website: Mission]</ref> The gas infrastructure limitations, which locally lead to high dependence or an inability to sufficiently diversify supply sources, would also have an impact in terms of '''competition'''. More specifically, the isolation of Finland prevents the country from mitigating a high Russian supply price. Lack of infrastructure also prevent the Baltic States to share the benefit of their access to LNG with Finland. In Central-Eastern European countries, Russia remains the main gas supplier causing low level of competition. Barriers prevent Greece from sharing its access to LNG with Bulgaria. In Romania, the lack of '''interconnection''' does not allow for Romanian national production to export towards neighbouring countries. Barriers preventing the Iberian Peninsula to fully share the benefits of its access to LNG with France have been identified. The access to LNG in the United Kingdom, France and Belgium cannot benefit countries to the East to their full potential.

Once infrastructure efficiency is achieved, the network can be further enhanced. The future of gas infrastructure also includes synthetic gases and hydrogen. The '''power-to-gas system''' is a technology that converts electrical power to a gas fuel. This is a unique opportunity to optimise renewable generation of energy by connecting it to the already highly interconnected gas transmission network. This would offer efficient and low cost energy transmission and long-term storage in the gas system, while saving investments in new electricity infrastructure.<ref>[https://www.entsog.eu/public/uploads/files/publications/TYNDP/2017/entsog_tyndp_2017_ES_170428_web.pdf ENTSOG - TYNP 2017 Executive Summary]</ref>

==References==

[[Category:AFET]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

Emission Trading System

2017-08-13T09:35:02Z

Kerstin: Redirected page to EU Emissions Trading System

#REDIRECT [[EU Emissions Trading System]]

ETS

2017-08-13T09:34:43Z

Kerstin: Redirected page to EU Emissions Trading System

#REDIRECT [[EU Emissions Trading System]]

EU Emissions Trading System

2017-08-13T09:33:31Z

Kerstin:

EU Emissions Trading System

2017-08-13T09:32:24Z

Kerstin: Created page with "The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a Cap and Trade system implemented at the European level. Based on the polluter pays principle, the main objective of this system is t..."

SET-Plan

2017-08-13T09:26:13Z

Kerstin: Redirected page to European Strategic Energy Technology Plan

#REDIRECT [[European Strategic Energy Technology Plan]]

European Strategic Energy Technology Plan

2017-08-13T09:25:46Z

Kerstin: Created page with "The European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) is focussed on the development of low-carbon technologies. The plan promotes research and innovation and its ultimate..."

The European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) is focussed on the development of low-carbon technologies. The plan promotes research and innovation and its ultimate goal is the transformation of European energy systems. The SET-Plan is managed by the SET-Plan Steering Group and includes research and development platforms in the fields of wind, solar, ocean, geothermal and bioenergy, smart cities, smart grids, renewable heating and cooling as well as lower emissions.

Category:Heidelberg:AFET

2017-07-04T21:24:57Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|Securing gas supply for good: Given the controversy around Nord Stream 2 as well as Europe’s energy dependence on Russia, what stance should the EU take in order to ensure both a solidary and diversified supply of gas?}}

In 2016, Europe imported 53.5% of its energy needs.<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Energy_production_and_imports Eurostat: Energy Production Statistics 2016]</ref> In the coming years Europe's energy dependency is expected to increase, also due to the decline of domestic gas production in Northwestern Europe.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/20160712_Summary_Ref_scenario_MAIN_RESULTS%20%282%29-web.pdf European Commission: EU reference scenarios 2016]</ref> Given that the reform of the EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS) will lead to a coal-to-gas switching in the electricity sector, natural gas will continue to play an important role in European energy demand. Today, EU countries face three options: cutting back on consumption, develop their shale gas resources or increasing imports. Renewable energies will show strong growth but, despite their centrality in switching to a green energy market, will still need to be complemented by gas.<ref>[http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/analytics/?doc=124714 The Baltic Course analytics]</ref> Therefore the EU is working to develop a new foreign policy which will further secure gas supply in the future.

[[File:18983272 1528693077200929 495985229 n.jpg|thumbnail|[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/20160712_Summary_Ref_scenario_MAIN_RESULTS%20%282%29-web.pdf Gas - production, net imports and demand]]]

==Background==
[[File:proven_gas_reserve_surrounding_europe.jpg|thumbnail|[http://www.ewi.research-scenarios.de/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Options-for-Gas-Supply-Diversification.pdf Proven gas reserves surrounding Europe]]]

About one quarter of all the energy used in the EU is natural gas, and many EU countries import nearly all their energy supplies, such as the United Kingdom (45.5%), France (46.1%), Germany (61.4%), Spain (72.9%) and Italy (75.9%).<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/7150363/8-04022016-AP-EN.pdf/c92466d9-903e-417c-ad76-4c35678113fd Eurostat newsrelease: Energy Dependency in the EU 2016]</ref> Some of these countries are also heavily reliant on a single source or a single transport route for the majority of their gas.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/23/world/europe/23iht-pipeline.4.7231553.html The New York Times "Gaxprom plans to re-route controversial European pipeline" 2007]</ref> For the time being, Russia remains Europe’s largest gas supplier, followed by Saudi Arabia and Norway.<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Energy_production_and_imports Eurostat: Energy production and imports 2016]</ref> The high level of mutual dependence involving the two sides may be the key for a future settlement: the European Union relies on Gazprom (the only producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Russia) for about a third of its natural gas supply, and Russia earns significant revenue from selling gas to Europe.<ref>[http://www.gazprom.com/ Gazprom official website]</ref> Yet, in 2017 17% of the global population lacks access to electricity.<ref>[https://www.iea.org/topics/energypoverty/ International Energy Agency (IEA): Energy access and Energy poverty]</ref> Energy poverty in Europe is still a relevant issue, as it affects nearly 11% of the EU population. Due to rising energy prices, low income and poor energy efficient homes, particularly prevalent in Central Eastern and Southern Europe (notably Bulgaria<ref>[https://iaee.org/en/publications/newsletterdl.aspx?id=226 International Association for Energy Economics: Energy Poverty: the Bulgarian Case 2014]</ref> and Greece<ref>[http://www.housingeurope.eu/blog-913/energy-poverty-in-greece Housing Europe: Energy Poverty in Greece 2017]</ref>) around 54 million people in Europe cannot afford to adequately heat their homes at an affordable cost.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/news/energy-poverty-may-affect-nearly-11-eu-population European Commission (Energy): Energy may affect nearly 11% of the EU population, 2015]</ref>
In order to secure gas supply for all and prevent shortages, the EU countries need to be prepared to manage gas supply disruptions if a crisis occurs, both concerning infrastructure and geopolitical tensions. For this reason, the EU is concentrating on developing an effective emergency response, alongside improving gas transmission systems and maintaining stable foreign relations.
==Areas of conflict==
[[File:demand_for_infrastructure_investment.jpg|thumbnail|[http://www.ewi.research-scenarios.de/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Options-for-Gas-Supply-Diversification.pdf Demand for infrastructure investments (BCM/A) between 2020 and 2030 in the gas sail scenario]]]

The challenges that the European Union and its Member States have to face in securing gas supply concern mainly infrastructure and geopolitical tensions. On one side, infrastructure failure can cause disruptions along gas transport routes and, on the other, supplies can be endangered by political disputes.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/imports-and-secure-supplies/secure-gas-supplies European Commission (Energy): Secure gas supply, 2017]</ref>

===Infrastructure===
*'''''Safety'''''
Safety refers to achieving an acceptably low risk to life and health in the design, construction, operation, and
decommissioning of a system. Some EU countries have either inefficient or lack energy infrastructure. In the Baltic countries the absence of energy interconnections with the energy systems of Northern and Western Europe, represents a risk for their energy security.
*'''''Standards'''''
Member States have different standards for daily operations and technical construction of gas pipelines. For this reason project execution and time delivery of projects can be problematic. The European Parliament believes that a higher degree of standardization will ease the integration and transmission among countries. In fact, the parts of the interconnected transmission system within national borders are owned and operated by national entities. The pipeline capacity is allocated on a national basis even if more than 60% of the EU’s gas supply crosses more than one national border.
*'''''Economic issues'''''
Transmission pipeline investments expenditures are very high. The payback time is long and the uncertainties and risks are many. The recovery of those investments is mainly based on long term agreements. Therefore private investors unlikely will ensure sufficient capacity for gas supply at a national level. For this reason, the investors in the pipeline transmission capacity inside the EU are primarily state-owned Transmission System Operators (TSOs), who have natural monopolies as they build, own and operate pipeline infrastructure.<ref>[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/note/join/2009/416239/IPOL-ITRE_NT(2009)416239_EN.pdf European Parliament: Gas and Oil pipelines in Europe 2009]</ref> As a consequence, the diversification of gas supply is limited.

===Geopolitical tensions===
Europe’s gas suppliers are poorly diversified. However, this implies various risks concerning security of imports. In the gas sector, Gazprom enjoys a complete monopoly on many EU countries (such as the Baltic States). As a consequence the supply of natural gas may be limited or stopped or its price may be lifted at any time without warning. The possibility that Russia may use these instruments to create direct political or economic pressure on national governments, or as a means of sanctioning, is even a greater risk.<ref>[http://iep-berlin.de/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/SPES_Policy_Papers_2011_MOLIS.pdf Policy Papers SPES - Rethinking EU-Russia energy relations: what do the Baltic States want? 2011]</ref> Already in 2009 Russia cut gas exports via Ukraine towards Europe of 60%<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1106382/Europe-plunged-energy-crisis-Russia-cuts-gas-supply-Ukraine.html Mail Online, by Robert Lea "Europe plunged into energy crisis as Russia cuts off gas supply via Ukraine" 2009]</ref> and in 2014 forced the EU to act as a guarantor for Ukraine's gas purchases from Russia following the Crimean crisis.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29842505 BBC News: Russia-Ukraine gas deal secures EU winter supply 2014]</ref> Nonetheless in 2015, Russia halted natural gas supplies to Ukraine. Gazprom said it had halted gas deliveries to Ukraine because it had used up all the gas it had paid for, while the Ukrainian government claimed that the cause was buying gas from cheaper suppliers.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34920207 BBC News: Ukraine closes airspace to all Russian planes 2015]</ref> Today the European Parliament believes that the framework ensuring fair and non-discriminating access to natural gas networks and a free flow over national borders, established through the creation of a European Energy Union and gas network codes,<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/energy/node/54 European Commission (Energy): Gas network codes 2017]</ref> is in need of improvement.<ref>[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/note/join/2009/416239/IPOL-ITRE_NT(2009)416239_EN.pdf European Parliament: Gas and Oil pipelines in Europe 2009]</ref> Specific problems arise in the case of cross-border pipeline projects involving different regulatory framework. There is no clear mechanism for the resolution of potential conflicts and the rights and obligations of stakeholders can differ according to the Member State. Additionally the nature of the gas market may be incompatible between two countries connected by a pipeline, and therefore the integration of different legal regimes may increase the transaction costs of constructing and operating a pipeline.<ref>[http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTOGMC/Resources/crossborderoilandgaspipelines.pdf Joint UNDP World Bank Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP): Cross-Border Oil and Gas Pipelines, Problems and Prospects 2003]</ref> Cooperation between Member States and ensuring regulatory coherence are necessary to secure Europe’s gas supply.
Alongside the aforementioned issues, Member States have different interests concerning gas supply. Poland believes that the [[Nord Stream 2]] project is not consistent with the objectives of the Energy Union, as it does not give access to new sources of gas, but strengthens the position of Russia as the largest natural gas supplier in the European market.<ref>[http://www.thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/301977,Negotiating-with-Russia-on-Nord-Stream-2-is-dangerous-precedent-Polish-MEP Radio Poland "Negotiating with Russia on Nord Stream 2 is dangerous precedent: Polish MEP"]</ref> While Germany is more focused on the liberalisation of the energy market, opening the market for electricity rapidly, boosting competition in energy supply firms and product prices,<ref>[http://www.feem.it/userfiles/attach/Publication/NDL1999/NDL1999-095.pdf Institute of Energy Economics and the Rational Use of Energy (IER) by Claudia Kemfert: The Liberalisation process of the German Electricity Market Strategies and Opportunities 2009]</ref> Poland is trying to secure its energy supply while slowly shifting towards more sustainable energy sources. In fact, coal dominates the power sector of Poland, where it is still the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions as well as a major employer.<ref>[https://www.iea.org/countries/membercountries/poland/ International Energy Agency (IEA): In-depth country review 2016]</ref>

==Key Questions==
*How to reach a diversified supply of gas?
*How to reach further gas supply independence?

==Existing measures==
===Energy as a shared competence===
Energy is a shared competences of the EU, therefore both the EU and Members States are able to legislate and adopt legally binding acts. EU countries exercise their own competence where the EU does not exercise, or has decided not to exercise, its own competence. The energy policy of the EU has three main objectives: security of supply, competitiveness and sustainability.
===Energy Union===
The Commission's second Strategic Energy Review (2008)<ref>[http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/trans/106196.pdf Council of European Union: Council Conclusions on "Second Strategic Energy Review - An EU energy security and solidarity action plan" 2009]</ref> and the Commission's Green paper "Towards a secure, sustainable and competitive European energy network" (2008)<ref>[http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=URISERV%3Aen0004 EUR-Lex Green Paper - Towards a secure, sustainable and competitive European energy network]</ref> have not been enough to provide an efficient framework for investments and European integration in gas networks.
For this purpose the European Commission has launched a European [[Energy Union]] in 2014 to ensure secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy for EU citizens and businesses.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sites/beta-political/files/2-years-on-energy-union_en_0.pdf European Commission: Energy and Climate Action 2016 Power-point presentation]</ref> The Energy Union is meant to assure the free flow of energy across borders, the employment of new technologies and renewed infrastructure,<ref>[https://europa.eu/european-union/topics/energy_en European Union (Energy): Energy Union, 2017]</ref> building on the 2030 Energy and Climate Framework and the Energy Security Strategy. The 2030 Energy and Climate Framework works on competitiveness and security of the energy system, such as price differences with major trading partners, diversification of supply, and interconnection capacity between EU countries.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/energy-strategy-and-energy-union/2030-energy-strategy European Commission (Energy): 2030 Energy Strategy, 2017]</ref> The Energy Security Strategy sets out short-term and long-term measures aimed at increasing energy efficiency and production, building missing infrastructure, achieving cohesion and transparency amongst Member States on external energy policies, and strengthening the solidarity mechanism between the EU countries.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/energy-strategy-and-energy-union/energy-security-strategy European Commission (Energy): Energy Security Strategy, 2017]</ref>
===Security of Gas Supply Regulation===
On 27 April 2017 an agreement on a new Security of Gas Supply Regulation was reached. The Commission proposed an update of the Security of Gas Supply Regulation of 2010 in order to help prevent potential gas shortages and respond to them if they happen. The new rules ensure a regionally coordinated and common approach to security of supply measures among EU Member States. This will put the EU in a better position to prepare for and manage gas shortages if a crisis occurs. The main improvements are:
*Introduction of a solidarity principle: in the event of a severe gas crisis, neighbouring Member States will help out to ensure gas supply to households and essential social services.
*Closer regional cooperation: regional groups facilitate the joint assessment of common security of supply risks and the development of an agreement on joint preventive and emergency measures.
*Greater transparency: Natural gas companies will have to notify long-term contracts that are relevant for security of supply (28 % of the annual gas consumption in the Member State).<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/news/new-rules-boost-gas-supply-security-and-solidarity European Commission (Energy): New rules to boost gas supply security and solidarity, 2017]</ref> <ref>[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-resilient-energy-union-with-a-climate-change-policy/file-security-of-gas-supply-regulation-review European Parliament: LEGISLATIVE TRAIN SCHEDULE Resilient Energy Union with a Climate Change Policy, 2017]</ref>
===Third Energy Package===
The European Commission, together with other stakeholders, discussed the main challenges in implementing network codes and guidelines concerning gas networks. The main aim was to provide an integrated European energy market. Member States have agreed to harmonise the rules under which markets and system operations are governed via network codes and guidelines now part of the Third Energy Package (2009). The third package enhances the functioning of the internal energy market and resolve structural problems. It covers five main areas:<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/markets-and-consumers/market-legislation European Commission (Energy): Market legislation (Third Package), 2017]</ref>
*unbundling energy suppliers from network operators
*strengthening the independence of regulators
*establishment of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)
*cross-border cooperation between transmission system operators and the creation of European Networks for Transmission System Operators
*increased transparency in retail markets (the market for the sale of goods or services to consumers rather than producers or intermediaries) to benefit consumers
==Opportunities==
The fact that energy is a shared competence of the EU could represent an opportunity to '''standardise legislations''' concerning gas transmission infrastructure across EU countries, as well as developing a '''Europe-wide legislative framework''' to support the market and the security of gas supply.
However, there are many boundaries to power exchanges in Europe. The european network of transmission system operators for gas (ENTSOG) published the 2017 edition of the ''Ten year network development plan (TYNDP)'', which offers a view on what is needed to achieve Europe's climate objectives by 2030. The package identifies investment needs, proposed '''priority investments''' and stresses the importance of the creation of the '''single European market for gas'''.<ref>[https://www.entsog.eu/mission ENTSOG official website: Mission]</ref> The gas infrastructure limitations, which locally lead to high dependence or an inability to sufficiently diversify supply sources, would also have an impact in terms of '''competition'''. More specifically, the isolation of Finland prevents the country from mitigating a high Russian supply price. Lack of infrastructure also prevent the Baltic States to share the benefit of their access to LNG with Finland. In Central-Eastern European countries, Russia remains the main gas supplier causing low level of competition. Barriers prevent Greece from sharing its access to LNG with Bulgaria. In Romania, the lack of '''interconnection''' does not allow for Romanian national production to export towards neighbouring countries. Barriers preventing the Iberian Peninsula to fully share the benefits of its access to LNG with France have been identified. The access to LNG in the United Kingdom, France and Belgium cannot benefit countries to the East to their full potential.

Once infrastructure efficiency is achieved, the network can be further enhanced. The future of gas infrastructure also includes synthetic gases and hydrogen. The '''power-to-gas system''' is a technology that converts electrical power to a gas fuel. This is a unique opportunity to optimise renewable generation of energy by connecting it to the already highly interconnected gas transmission network. This would offer efficient and low cost energy transmission and long-term storage in the gas system, while saving investments in new electricity infrastructure.<ref>[https://www.entsog.eu/public/uploads/files/publications/TYNDP/2017/entsog_tyndp_2017_ES_170428_web.pdf ENTSOG - TYNP 2017 Executive Summary]</ref>

==References==

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Securing gas supply for good

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Kerstin:

{{cquote|Accelerating ICT innovation: with SMEs and startups shaping energy transition and innovation how can the EU support its economy to get to the forefront of managing a successful energy transformation?}}

[[Category:ITRE]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

In the last few decades technology has been becoming more and more accessible, now making its way into the hands of [[Small and medium-sized Enterprises (SME)]], [[startups]], and eventually consumers. It is a field in which self-taught innovation and small-scale developments have often brought about significant changes in the industry. this is becoming even more frequent now, with a great boom in the number of startups, and [[unicorns]], as well as further digitalisation among smaller businesses. Furthermore, as the world bank has stated,<ref>http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2016/06/20/entrepreneurs-and-small-businesses-spur-economic-growth-and-create-jobs</ref> SMEs and startups are critical to spurring economic growth and are the backbone of many economies.

Companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft, which were originally startups, are now some of the largest companies in the world, and one can see other companies such as Uber and Airbnb following in the same path. With such companies, providing innovation and digitalisation across Europe, the EU has now put into place a number of bodies to aid in investment for new SMEs and startups, with the aim of furthering the technological revolution.

SMEs and startups are also a leading light in the fields of innovation and sustainable and eco-friendly technology, with a number of enterprises exploring new ways of harnessing natural power as a result of new technology being more readily available in the digital era. This has led to increased accessibility for consumers to sustainable technology as well as for governments, and has also made research more accessible and less-centralised in fields such as those of ecological energy innovation.

==Background==

Since the widespread electrification in the early 20th Century, electrical technology has seen a continuous upward trend in the functions it has been able to carry out or aid. Technology has now moved into being portable, wearable, and even artificially intelligent. This boom in commercial electronics has also allowed for the developments to be applied to other fields such as the ecological sector, with startups such as Powerhouse now providing commercial solar energy, and Tesla providing sustainable transport. There are even new developments in the areas of nuclear fusion<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/26/technology/start-ups-take-on-challenge-of-nuclear-fusion.html?_r=0</ref> and hydroelectric power,<ref>http://www.climate-kic.org/news/10-dutch-cleantech-start-ups-from-idea-to-investor-ready/</ref> and in Europe startups and SMEs of this kind have access to a number of investment programs. These startups are now forging a new path in the sustainable energy industry and in research of this industry. With new innovations being worked on constantly in these areas, especially in Europe, the European Union has begun to discuss shoring up this industry to a greater extent and also providing funds and investment for it. The EU is currently a frontrunner in the green energy sector, however, a lack of funding for SMEs could result in it falling behind.

==Relevance to Europe==

Europe, as with the rest of the world, is facing a number of problems related to climate and the environment, including climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, acidification, and many more. The world bank has said there needs to be complete decarbonisation by the year 2100<ref>http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2015/05/11/decarbonizing-development-zero-carbon-future</ref> if the world is to avoid drastic and irreversible change in the environment. Across the EU renewable energy accounts for only 16.7% of energy consumption,<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/7905983/8-14032017-BP-EN.pdf/af8b4671-fb2a-477b-b7cf-d9a28cb8beea</ref> of course this varies between each member state but if there is to be complete decarbonisation there clearly needs to be a serious change in the way Europe consumes its energy, as most Member States are fossil fuel reliant. This is further articulated by the fact that a number of Member States exceeded their 2010 pollutant limits,<ref>https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/more-eu-member-states-to-miss-2010-air-pollutant-limits</ref> and are likely to miss their 2020 emission limits too.<ref>https://www.carbonbrief.org/whos-hitting-the-eus-2020-renewables-target-and-whos-holding-it-back</ref>

[[File:Energy Graph.png|thumb|right|The distance by individual EU Member States from achieving the 2020 emission targets.]]
Despite the clear need for a change in this area a number of companies such as Volkswagen have continued to exceed limits, over the heads of national governments and the European Union.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_emissions_scandal</ref> This came to a head last year with scandals involving these companies, and whilst the EU tried to crack down on these offenders<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/29/eu-moves-to-crack-down-on-carmakers-after-vw-emissions-scandal-monitor-testing-fines</ref> it is unable to fully stop over-polluting by large corporations.

Part of the solution for these issues could be more diversification in green energy and green technology in these sectors in order to move countries and companies away from overreaching in terms of what they are able to do with energy and oil dependency in the state that it currently is. This could also be accompanied by greater investment in the infrastructure required for green energy in Member States. Therefore can the EU provide greater access to knowledge and funding for SMEs and startups to further development and innovation?

==Key Conflicts==

===Larger Companies===
One of the major conflicts, and one that the EU has insufficiently address so far, is the issue of larger energy corporations such as Shell and BP having considerable influence. For example, one of the major issues with the European Commission and Parliament legislating on this issue is that lobbyists in Brussels (of which there are up to 30,000)<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/08/lobbyists-european-parliament-brussels-corporate</ref> are often paid to represent these companies: for example, BP is the UK’s biggest lobbyist in Brussels.<ref>https://www.desmog.uk/2016/03/08/energy-giant-bp-uk-s-single-biggest-lobbyist-europe</ref> This often means that such corporations are able to affect legislation far better than small ones due to their greater influence, such as SMEs and startups. Therefore it is of utmost importance to establish a way in which this issue can be solved without the interference of larger non-sustainable energy companies in the legislative process.

Larger companies are also often unwilling to invest in the smaller energy companies and are also reluctant to endorse them in order to aid movement towards sustainable energy. In certain cases the new technologies are parts of industries SMEs could find profit in through investment.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/21/oil-majors-investments-renewable-energy-solar-wind</ref> While there has been a small amount of investment from these companies it has not led to a meaningful change in the way that Member States create energy, as is clear from the energy usage patterns of Member States, which are still mainly fossil fuel-reliant.

[[File:Energy Share.png|thumb|left|Share of energy from renewable sources in Member States.]]
===Accessibility to Sustainable Technology===
Another issue with making sustainable technology more accessible to the consumer and to businesses is the lack of easily digestible information available. Often new developments in energy are a result of complex science, which is at first very hard for certain parties to grasp, whereas wind and solar energy, which are both now established forms of sustainable energy are more familiar to consumers and therefore more likely to be appealing when investing in sustainable energy, especially energy possibilities that are a result of SME innovation. As part of [[Horizon 2020 work programme]] the European Union has recognised the need for consumers needing to be at the heart of the energy discussion and therefore need to be further engaged.<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/opportunities/h2020/topics/ee-06-2016-2017.html</ref> There also arguably needs to be more discussion between Member States and other European countries regarding knowledge sharing in the area of sustainable energy. This was discussed in the G20 action plan,<ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/news/g20-energy-ministers-meeting-focuses-sustainable-energy-access-energy-efficiency-and-renewables</ref> but as of yet the EU has not legislated on this.

===Funding Through the EU===
A further problem that some startups and SMEs face is that of low investment, and while the European Union have tried to combat this with providing access to funds through the [[European Investment Bank (EIB)]], the [[European Investment Fund (EIF)]], and the [[Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME)]] (among others) some small scale businesses struggle to get off their feet in this area, others struggle to compete with larger companies even after they are well-established. On top of this there is a lack of [[venture capital (VC)]] funding to technology startups in Europe<ref>https://www.ft.com/content/17dc9b52-95eb-11e6-a1dc-bdf38d484582</ref> both from inside and from outside of the EU. Therefore there perhaps needs to be further encouragement for investment from foreign and European backers in the industry of sustainable energy, especially seeing that a European report recently found that there are significant differences between the access to funding in different Member States.<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/572687/IPOL_STU(2016)572687_EN.pdf</ref>

===Oil Reliance===
On top of this, those countries which are almost totally reliant on oil are often unwilling to move away from their current methods of energy production, however, a recent surge in interest has raised the profile of this issue.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/24/the-switch-to-renewable-power-is-a-battle-we-cannot-afford-to-lose</ref> Harnessing this interest could lead to a great amount of change in the willingness of governments to use and invest in the renewable alternatives provided by startups. This could also result in wider usage by the consumer and thereby in more profit for investors and SMES and startups, allowing for more development in the area. However, some countries such as Poland, which are heavily reliant on coal are still reluctant to make this transition.

Overall there are a number of conflicts, which are all difficult for the European Union to legislate on, but are not completely insurmountable.

==The European Scope==

===Investment Bodies===
A number of EU bodies give help and funding to SMEs and startups, for example the EIB borrows money on capital markets and lends it on favourable terms to a number of parties, including SMEs and startups through their role as shareholder in the EIF, which provides funding to such enterprises through venture capital and risk finance instruments. Other EIF products include venture capital and micro-financing for SMEs, particularly new and innovative companies, and guarantees for financial institutions, to cover loans to SMEs.

Furthermore, [[Fusion for Energy (F4E)]] provides help in the form of grants and procurement contracts for small and medium-sized businesses in the area of research into fusion energy. This is an example of a body set up specifically to provide easier access to development funds in a specific form of sustainable energy – in this case fusion. However, there are few other bodies that provide aid in other forms of energy such as solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy, for instance. Another example, however, is the [[Clean Sky 2]] programme, which partners with SMEs involved in aeronautics in order to reduce aircraft emissions by developing innovative technologies to cut CO2 and other greenhouse gases and reduce noise.

===Development of SMEs===
However, there are other bodies that are more focused on SMEs across Europe rather than in specific areas. For example, the Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME) provides support in allowing innovative SMEs and startups to grow. The agency runs the Horizon 2020 programme, which help SMEs develop innovative ideas into concrete projects with a European and global impact, as well as running the [[EU Programme for the Competitiveness of SMEs (COSME)]]. The commission has also delegated much of the LIFE programme – the EU’s funding instrument for environmental and climate action – to EASME, providing a clear link between environmental concern and small-scale enterprises.

In addition to this other programmes such as the [[Eco-Innovation Initiative (EII)]] and [[Intelligent Energy-Europe]], are also providing information and funding for SMEs in the area of ecological innovation and technology. Therefore one would assume there is a sufficient amount of access to the materials required to grow as an SME in the environmental sector, however, there still doesn’t seem to be enough access to funds from external investors.

==Recent Developments and Opportunities==

===Financing SMEs===
In 2016 the EIB put €33.6 Billion into SMEs, providing support for approximately 300,000 enterprises and startups.<ref>http://www.eib.org/projects/priorities/sme/</ref> This has provided access to more funds for a number of SMEs, however, there is no data on how much of this was put directly into sustainable innovation. Perhaps there needs to be more study of this and specific location of funds by the EU and also more specific funds for the environmental sector.

On top of this, the committee on Industry, Technology, and Research (ITRE) in the European Parliament are currently working on a non-legislative enactment (NLE) on the bio-based industry in partnership with the Committee on Regional Development (REGI). This will hopefully provide access to funding and insights for certain SMEs on their work in this sector and may lead to potential for new legislation from the Commission on investment in the bio-based industry.

===Discussion of the Issue===
In addition the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) have also had a recent public hearing (on 24th may 2017) on SMEs and new financial instruments.<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/budg/events-hearings.html?id=20160426CHE00061</ref> This included discussions with the EIB, long-term investors, SMEs, representatives of national governments and promotional institutions in the sector. The conclusion of the meeting was that the situation ‘differs quite considerably between Member States’ with regards to the access to finance of SMEs, this perhaps indicates the aid of bodies such as the EIF, EASME, and the EII (among others) doesn’t provide sufficient aid in finding investment in SMEs and startups. This hearing mainly discussed the role of national banks in aiding governing bodies by easing the reliance on them for investment.<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/572687/IPOL_STU(2016)572687_EN.pdf</ref> The differences between the access to funding between member states perhaps indicates there is a need for further development of a supranational approach, this would perhaps result in greater equality in this area.

===Sustainable Energy at Work===
It must also be noted that a number of Member States - mainly those in Scandinavia - are some of the most sustainable in the world and have made the transition to sustainable energy very effectively. This is partially due to their access to certain natural resources, however, other nations are lagging far behind, therefore how can the EU help other states to reach the level of sustainability seen in Scandinavia through using the expertise and innovation of SMEs?

===Research===
Further to this, in the sphere of research, the World Bank – on top of their call for decarbonisation – has released what it sees as the three steps to a decarbonised future.<ref>http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/180621468182344481/pdf/96410-WP-Box391444B-PUBLIC-Decarbonizing-Development-Overview.pdf</ref> Documents and strategies such as this are being backed up by industry leaders such as Freek Bisschop who is the CEO of Rockstart, a company that supports startups such as Solarcreed and Solarpro, which provide further access and innovation in the field of sustainable and renewable energy. He has said ‘tomorrow’s energy is decentralised, decarbonised, and digital’<ref>https://www.2degreesnetwork.com/groups/2degrees-community/resources/10-smart-energy-startups-watch-2017/</ref> a future that can perhaps only be achieved by the innovation of startups and further freedom for the consumer to become involved in sustainable living, renewable energy, and ultimately decarbonisation. Therefore the EU must surely support this and not be afraid to be at the forefront of innovation in this area by allowing those SMEs and startups involved in sustainability to grow.

== References ==

DEVE

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Kerstin:

{{cquote|Climate Justice: Keeping the right to development in mind, how can the EU exercise its soft power to ensure a global commitment to tackle climate change, whilst safeguarding the rights of those affected most by its consequences?}}

In August 2013 floods inundated up to one-fifth of Pakistan and affected an estimated 20 million people.<ref>"5 natural disasters that beg for climate action", retrieved from: https://www.oxfam.org/en/campaigns/5-natural-disasters-beg-climate-action#</ref> In 2014, at least 14 extreme weather events were caused by human-induced climate change, including a deadly snowstorm in Nepal and a heat wave in Argentina that crashed power supplies. <ref>"Half of Weather Disasters Linked to Climate Change", retrieved from: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/11/151105-climate-weather-disasters-drought-storms/</ref> Climate change is affecting the life of millions, thereby threatening basic human rights. Coordinated and efficient International Cooperation are key to minimize human influence on climate, as well as to help developing countries - who are affected the most by climate change - to deal with the economical and social damage. How can the EU contribute to this global cause that calls for international solidarity and cooperation as never witnessed before in history?

== Relevance of the topic ==
'''Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions''' have increased dramatically, primarily due to the use of fossil fuels, thus causing an increase in Earth’s average temperature. The impact of this unprecedented warming – including floods, droughts, rising sea levels, spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever – are to be more severe and imminent than previously believed and threaten fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, health, water, food, shelter, work and self-determination. In fact, '''vulnerable groups''', including women - which account for 80% of global climate refugees -, children, disabled and indigenous peoples, are '''particularly at risk'''.

Sustainable Development is defined as the development that assists the '''needs of today''' without compromising the ability of the '''future generations''' to meet their needs. This definition is based on two key concepts – the '''needs''' of the poor and those who cannot provide for basic living standards by themselves; and the '''limitations''' to meet those needs as a result of the environment, the political and social circumstances, and technologic advances. Sustainability policies in the field of climate change need to be centred on the principles of equity and future justice.

The actual objective of the sustainable development concept is to achieve balanced economic, social and environmental development for both developed and developing countries. Therefore, it should be addressed as a global problem that includes more than just economic growth. The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) noted in its March 2009 study on climate change and human rights.<ref>[https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement], “Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the relationship between climate change and human rights”, retrieved from: https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement.</ref> that climate change can only be effectively addressed through '''international cooperation''', as it affects disproportionately poorer countries with the weakest ability to protect their citizens. It also highlites States’ obligations under international human rights law and the '''[[right to development]]''', proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) in the Declaration on the Right to Development, to protect individuals whose rights are affected by the impact of climate change or by policies that address climate change.

It is also important to take into account the '''historical responsibility''' that arises due to the disproportion of both GHG emissions, that are and were historically mostly emitted by developed countries; and the fact that most of the consequences are felt by developing nations. Even though climate change has a global impact and it will affect the lives of everyone, developing countries are mostly targeted because of differential factors such as income, race, class, gender, capital and political representation. Thus, following on the '''right to development''' arises the concept of '''[[climate justice]]''' and of '''common but differentiated responsibilities''', which is central to the climate change regime.

== Key Conflicts ==
The idea that climate change is solely an environmental issue misses the bigger picture - '''climate change represents and perpetuates power imbalances across the world'''. The industrialised nations of the Global north emit about '''80%''' of global GHGs<ref>"Climate change is not just an environmental issue – it’s about justice", retrieved from: https://europa.eu/eyd2015/en/friends-earth-europe/posts/climate-change-human-rights</ref>, while developing nations from the Global south face the worst impacts. In fact, global warming poses a threat to the survival of some vulnerable southern countries - rising sea levels will contaminate the drinking water, damage the agriculture and infrastructure, and threaten biodiversity in the coastal areas, making them uninhabitable. It is even predicted that entire cities, such as Rotterdam and Sydney could flood. Similarly, some islands in Africa, Asia and South America are facing the risk of disappearing under water.<ref>"Sea-Level Rise and Impacts in Africa, 2000 to 2100. Application of the DIVA model to Africa.", retrieved from: https://www.weadapt.org/knowledge-base/economics-of-adaptation/impacts-of-sea-level-rise-in-africa</ref>

So, the debate centres on the obligation of industrialised states - due to '''historical responsibility''' - and international organisations to provide development assistance to developing countries and to invest in energy, proportionate to what they emit and use. On the one hand we have "the West", mainly responsible historically for emitting the most GHGs. Even though they share a set of common values, when it comes to climate justice, the ideas and policies of the EU and the USA vary widely. In 2015, USA's GHGs totaled 6,587 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents making it the second largest GHG’s emitter. <ref>Article “Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks”, retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks</ref> Moreover, the current Trump administration supports the fossil fuel industry and has recently '''dropped out of the Paris Agreement''', which could severely weaken the US’ environmental policy and thereby also the '''chances of mitigating the effects of climate change.'''

On the other side of the spectrum, developing countries '''lack the resources''' to address the environmental and social threat of climate change. Least developed countries are especially vulnerable, since their budget is stretched to meet '''basic needs''', such as access to food, water, and housing.

The current controversy also focuses on the process of globalisation, including the right and possibility of equal participation of developing countries in that process, and its relation to human rights. A number of big emitting emerging economies are reluctant to agree to a condition that they feel can hamper their economic growth and development. However, '''the climate change will not be sufficiently addressed if only developed countries reduce their emissions'''. Developing countries, especially the most advanced ones, need to take a part too. For example, the four largest developing nations - '''Brazil, Russia, India and China''' (also called the '''BRIC’s''') - with a combined population of 3 billion people, will have a huge impact on the future of climate change. Also, among the '''southern countries''' we see significant differences when it comes to targeting climate change. For instance, the '''priorities''' of the Alliance of Small Island States are taking a different path to that of most of the least developed countries because they are most at risk of being affected by the rising sea levels. They demonstrated strong initiative in striving toward legally binding emissions targets and financing whereas the majority of '''least developed countries''' has been stuck in a rhetoric of '''mistrust and historical responsibility''' at the expense of negative-sum results.

[[File:Climateimpacts.jpg|thumb|Climate Change Impact in 2050]]

'''Evaluating the effectiveness of international cooperation in addressing climate change is a complex undertaking.''' From the one perspective, the fact that countries are implementing major international treaties on the topic on a global scale would suggest that they have sought to cooperate. however, as soon as the cooperation requires concrete '''solutions to the climate change problem''', it could be regarded as a failure of countries to effectively cooperate the fact that the predictions and the consequences of climate change are increasing in intensity.

[[File:Climate-Analytics.jpg|thumb|Average warming projected for 2100]]

Among the '''criticism made to the more recent Paris Agreement''' is the fact that the contribution that each individual country should make in order to achieve the worldwide goal is '''determined by all countries individually'''. Also, the country's emissions targets are '''not legally binding''', unlike those of the Kyoto Protocol. Neither are punitive measures in place in case of non-compliance.<ref>Article “What Does the Paris Agreement Mean for Climate Resilience and Adaptation?“, retrieved from: http://www.wri.org/blog/2015/12/what-does-paris-agreement-mean-climate-resilience-and-adaptation</ref> However, the '''regular review and submission of emission reduction targets will be binding''' and so too will the '''$100 billion fund from developed economies to help emerging and developing nations decarbonise their energy mix'''. The funding will have the ultimate goal of meaningful mitigation action and transparent implementation by developing countries.<ref>Article “Financing Adaptation”, retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/financing_en</ref>

Nevertheless, predictions are still that '''temperature will rise 2,7ºC by 2100'''<ref>Article “COP21: What does the Paris climate agreement mean for me?”, retrieved from: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35092127 </ref> even if all the Paris Agreement conditions are met, which calls for further measures. It also raises the question whether a global power shift in which fossil fuels would no longer be the cheaper fuel is the only way the global climate change threat could be tackled effectively.

When it comes to international aid to help those who suffer from the consequences of climate change, another problem emerges. The UN has recognised the category of '''environmental and climate refugees'''. In 2009, 36 million people were displaced by natural disasters. This number is predicted to rise to at least 50 million by 2050. In spite of that, environmental refugees are not protected by international law or asylum systems. The criteria by which refugees are classified is based on the [http://www.unhcr.org/1951-refugee-convention.html 1951 Refugee Convention] and defines a refugee as a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis “of race religion, nationality,” or “membership of a particular social or political group,” has fled their homeland. For this reason, '''climate refugees are generally denied protection under the existing international framework.'''<ref>"Climate Refugees: Exposing the Protection Gap in International Law", retrieved from: http://climate.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Kamali-Climate-Refugees.pdf</ref> Thus, international action towards '''broadening the scope of the term "refugee"''' seems like a logical solution to the protection gap.

== Measures in Place ==
The '''[[UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development|UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development]]''' comprising a set of '''17 Sustainable Development Goals''' has entered into force in January 2016. It plans to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change. To achieve this it has established a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Furthermore, three '''International Treaties to tackle climate change''' have been signed. The [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)]] has near universal membership and is the parent treaty of the [[Kyoto Protocol]] and the [[Paris Agreement]]. The ultimate objective of the treaties is to stabilise GHG's concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will minimise dangerous human interference with the climate system - currently set in maintaining the temperature rise below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels.
<ref>"United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change", retrieved from http://newsroom.unfccc.int/ )</ref>

The [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change|UNFCCC]] also has an operating entity of the financial mechanism on an ongoing basis - '''The Global Environment Facility'''. This entity also '''manages two special funds''' established by the Parties: the '''Special Climate Change Fund'''; and the '''Least Developed Country Fund'''.<ref>"The Global Environmental Facility", retrieved from: http://www.thegef.org/about-us</ref> The EU is the largest contributor of climate financing and it still aims to scale up climate financing with the goal of 20% of its budget being spent on climate action by 2020. <ref>Article “Financing Adaptation”, retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/financing_en</ref>

In terms of international cooperation, the EU has set policies, legislation and initiatives for more efficient use of less polluting energy, cleaner and more balanced transport options, more environmentally friendly land-use and agriculture, more sustainable cities, more climate-resilient communities and fewer emissions from all sectors of our economy.<ref>"Adaptation to climate change", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation_en</ref>

The EU development cooperation policy: the '''Agenda for Change''' pays particular attention to the energy sector for inclusive sustainable growth. It aims to improve access to affordable and sustainable energy, enhance energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy sources.<ref>"EU Communication on the Agenda for Change", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/policies/european-development-policy/agenda-change_en</ref> It has also committed, in the global initiative '''[http://www.se4all.org/ Sustainable Energy for All]''', to helping provide 500 million people in developing countries with access to sustainable energy services by 2030. Furthermore, the EU launched the '''[http://www.gcca.eu/ Global Climate Change AlliancePlus (GCCA+)]''', a seven-year programme to help the world’s most vulnerable places tackle climate change.

[[File:Targets.png|thumb|Image 3 - Possible 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU]]

In terms of internal policy, the EU leaders have also established the [[2020 climate and energy package]] in 2007, that has become '''legally binding''' under EU law in 2009. This package is meant to ensure that the EU meets its 2020 targets for energy and climate targets - 20% cut in GHG’s emissions, 20% renewable energy in the EU and 20% energy efficiency improvement. <ref>"2020 climate & energy package", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2020_en</ref> Building on the [[2020 climate and energy package]], the EU has also established the '''2030 climate and energy framework''' with the goal of approaching a low carbon economy - 40% cut in GHG’s emissions, 27% renewable energy in the EU and 27% energy efficiency improvement.
<ref>"2030 climate & energy framework", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2030_en </ref>

The [[European Commission]] has developed the '''2050 low-carbon roadmap''', that aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the EU to 80% below 1990 levels.<ref>"2050 low-carbon roadmap", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2050_en</ref> The EU has set itself targets to put itself on the way to achieve the transformation towards a low-carbon economy as detailed in the '''2050 low-carbon roadmap''' through actions in all main sectors, concluding it is feasible and cost-effective in the long run, as long as innovation and investments are present.

==Opportunities==
It is crucial to define the EU's stance as well as the opportunities of using its '''soft power''' to influence a truly global matter. '''Soft power''' refers to the ability of making a stance and a change through '''talk, external policies, culture and political debate'''; opposite to the use of hard power - force, coercion and using money as means of persuasion. The EU is a major stakeholder in the climate justice issue and must represent the moral values that it defends throughout all the process.

The use of soft power sources, identified as “culture”, “political institutions” and “foreign policy” becomes especially relevant when it comes to the BRICs. How can the '''EU influence''' these economic powers that are still now deciding between fossil fuels or clean energy and human rights or economic growth? We must also take into account that the path the BRIC’s choose now will also influence the future of the countries that are going to be in the spotlight of development soon, such as Colombia, Nepal, Indonesia and the Balkan countries.

The '''EU’s stance''' on climate justice is that financial support to developing countries should be based on '''"low carbon development strategies"''' developed by them. These should set out which measures a country can take without additional financial and technical assistance. The [[European Commission]] also proposes that developed countries can contribute via the use of '''carbon crediting mechanisms and public funding'''. Public financial contributions should be based on emission levels and each country’s economic capability<ref>"Climate action", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/international/cooperation_en</ref>.

In terms of International Cooperation, in order to achieve the [[UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development|UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development]] the first step is the '''mapping exercise of external policies'''. It also needs to identify the real gaps that exist between current external policies and the future ones. For this, the EU needs to make civil society organisations in third countries '''real partners in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.''' The [[European Commission]] has drafted a [http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/swd-key-european-actions-2030-agenda-sdgs-390-20161122_en.pdf document] establishing the '''priorities, policies, funds and other actions''' cover all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This document assures they provide a '''significant contribution''' to the implementation of the SDGs, both within the EU and through EU external action.

The supreme decision-making body of the [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)|UNFCCC]] - the '''[[Conference of the Parties|COP]]''' - has representantives of all the countries that are part of the Convention and is the biggest annual meeting to debate climate change. '''COP 22''' took place in 2016 and marked the transition from the main discussion being developing the [[Paris Agreement]] to how to better implement it. '''COP 23''' will take place in November 2018 and will for sure debate the best '''international approach''' to dealing with the opting out of the [[Paris Agreement]] by the United States of America and the '''future of the Agreement'''. What should the EU's stance be in COP 23?

== Other Important Stakeholders ==
- [[Climate vulnerable countries]]
- [[G20]]
- [[International court of justice|International Court of Justice]]
- [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]]
- [[The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]]
- [[Sustainable Development Observatory]]

== Conclusion ==
The planet's average surface temperature has risen 1.1 degrees Celsius and global sea level rose about 20 cm since the late 19th century.<ref>Article "Climate Change, hw do we know?", retrieved from: https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/</ref> People are being forced to leave their homes, losing their lives and more and more human rights are being threatened due to climate change, especially minorities’.

How far can the EU impact the reality of climate change whilst other developed countries, like the USA, turn its back to their historical duties to the rest of the world? The EU-28 represents only 6,9% of the global population<ref>"The EU in the world - population", retrieved from: http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/The_EU_in_the_world_-_population</ref> and therefore reducing its GHGs emissions can only help so far in the climate change fight. Whilst safeguarding the right to development is undoubtedly important, the road to climate justice calls for unprecedented international cooperation. The EU is in itself the most successful international cooperation project in world history and has in many ways been striving for climate action. How can it use its soft powers to help mitigate climate change? What are the next steps to be taken to achieve a greener world?

== Questions ==
* Can the EU fight climate change within the existing framework?
* Should the EU seek to achieve its climate goals through its other policies, e.g. international trade or human rights?
* Can we set climate and energy targets for the technologies of the future?
* What should the EU stance in the COP23 in Bonn in November 2017 be, taking into account the recent opt out of the [[Paris Agreement]] by the USA?

==Relevant Links==
* Article “Five ways to achieve climate justice”, retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/jan/12/achieve-climate-justice-human-rights
* Article “COP21: What does the Paris climate agreement mean for me?”, retrieved from: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35092127
* Article “Vulnerable nations call on G20 to end fossil fuel subsidies by 2020”, retrieved from: http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/04/24/vulnerable-nations-call-g20-end-fossil-fuel-subsidies-2020/
* Article “Africa speaks up on climate change”, retrieved from: https://www.boell.de/de/node/270716
* Article “Climate change cooperation with non-EU countries”, retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/international/cooperation_en
* Article "How climate change battles are increasingly being fought, and won, in court", retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/08/how-climate-change-battles-are-increasingly-being-fought-and-won-in-court
* Article "Is a Successful Ecological Turnaround of Capitalism Possible?", retrieved from: https://www.boell.de/de/node/272493

== References ==

[[Category:DEVE]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

Category:Heidelberg:TRAN

2017-07-04T21:13:11Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|The future of human mobility: In light of increasing travel demand across all modes of transportation, how can the EU ensure mobility is both accessible and diverse as well as sustainable and carbon-free?}}

[[Category:TRAN]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]
[[Category: Societal Dimension]]
[[Category: Economic Dimension]]
[[Category: Environmental Dimension]]
[[Category: Technological Dimension]]

In combination with climate change, global megatrends such as population growth and urbanisation bring about a double-edged challenge for transportation: For individuals, the access to transportation is closely related to social mobility, health and education. Therefore, globally increasing and changing needs for transport call for the provision of accessible transportation to all. At the same time, however, increasing emissions from transportation are incompatible with required developments to address climate change. Researchers suggest that current policies aiming to enhance the energy-efficiency of transportation are insufficient in meeting international sustainability goals such as the Paris Agreement. The Committee on Transport and Tourism therefore faces the challenge to propose an intelligent transport strategy that addresses both the need for more accessible and less polluting passenger transport.

==Changing demands and transport emissions==

In order to understand the relevance and context of the topic, global megatrends need to be considered.

According to the UN, the current world population of 7.3 billion is expected to reach 9.7 billion in 2050<ref>United Nations. (2015). ''World population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.'' Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news/population/2015-report.html</ref>. This '''global growth in population''' comes with an increase in transport demand. An increasing wealth in many parts of the world accelerates an even faster growing '''demand for faster modes of transportation''' such as aviation.

Today, more than half of the global population lives in cities. The UN estimates that by 2050, this share will increase to two thirds<ref>United Nations. (2015). ''World’s population increasingly urban with more than half living in urban areas''. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news/population/world-urbanization-prospects-2014.html</ref>. As relevant for the topic at hand, this '''urbanisation''' constitutes a major shift in individuals’ transportation needs. For the individual, transportation plays an important role in various aspects of life. The '''access to transportation''' largely determines an individual’s access to healthcare, education and work and is therefore closely linked to social justice. While the demand for transport is increasing overall, there is also a growing need for cheap and ever faster transport.

At the same time, the issue is strongly related to '''sustainability'''. In 2010, the OECD projected the global emissions from transportation to double by 2050<ref>OECD. (2010). ''OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050.'' Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/env/cc/49082173.pdf
</ref>. Such a development would be highly incompatible with the efforts required to mitigate climate change, including the need to reduce [[GHG]]. With the continuous increase in transport emissions, reaching the [[Paris Agreement|Paris]] goal of a 20% reduction in [[GHG]] emissions between 2012 and 2030 becomes highly unfeasible. Climate change research, however, suggests that an achievement of the Paris goals is crucial for avoiding a critical threshold after which the effects of climate change would be disastrous and irreversible.

Taking the two factors of accessibility and sustainability together, a '''major challenge''' for future transportation becomes clear: On the one hand, future transportation has to meet the transportation demand for faster and more accessible transportation for a growing number of people in an increasingly urban environment. On the other hand, the total amount of GHG emissions resulting from this transport have to be reduced.

==Scope of unsustainability and aspects to accessibility==

===Current unsustainability of transport sector in numbers===

Several factors constitute the current unsustainability of the transportation sector. Some key elements are listed to illustrate the situation:
[[File:Share of renewable energy in transport - EEA 2016.png|thumb|Share of renewable energy in transport - EEA 2016]]
*EU transportation is highly '''dependent on oil''', relying on it for 94% of its energy needs<ref>European Commission. (2017). ''Alternative fuels for sustainable mobility in Europe.'' Retrieved from
https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/cpt_en</ref>.
*While the share of renewable varies largely throughout the Member States, it is overall still very low.
*There is a strong '''reliance on road transport'''. In 2014, passenger cars contributed to over 70% of the European passenger transport overall<ref>EEA. (2016). Term 2016: ''Fundamental changes needed for sustainable mobility.'' Retrieved from https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/term-2016-fundamental-changes-needed. </ref>
*At the moment, '''aviation''' is estimated to accounts for 4.9% of man-made global warming. It is, however, the faster growing and at the same time the least efficient mode of transport <ref>European Federation for Transport and Environment AISBL. (2017). ''Aviation.'' Retrieved from https://www.transportenvironment.org/what-we-do/aviation</ref>.
*Today, 78% of European citizens live in cities<ref>Market Place of the European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities. (2017). ''Cities - key for Europe.'' Retrieved from https://eu-smartcities.eu/about/european_context</ref>. The GHG emissions from '''urban transport''' constitute a large share of GHG emissions and many cities reliable heavily on road transportation.

===Close relationship between accessibility to transport, diversity and social mobility===

'' 'Lack of mobility is inextricably linked to social disadvantage and exclusion.' ''<ref>European Parliament / Legislative Observatory. (2016). ''2016/2327(INI) - 20/07/2016 Non-legislative basic document.'' Retrieved from http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/summary.do?id=1468976&t=e&l=en </ref>

Identifying the main links between accessibility to transport, diversity and social mobility allows to understand the sociological aspect of the topic. The fact that mobility is connected to many fundamental aspects of an individual’s life, lays at the basis of these consideration. Generally, low access to transportation threatens to limit a person’s opportunities to '''access health care, education and jobs'''. It is therefore that mobility is such a relevant topic for society and that barriers to the access to transportation are so closely tied to '''social inequality'''.
To a large extent, inequalities in the access to mobility stem from the varying '''user costs''' for different modes of transportation: Faster modes such as cars or trains are more often more expensive that slower modes such a walking or cycling. This is especially the case for '''rural areas''', in which transportation infrastructure is often insufficient. There, individuals without private cars such as young, elderly or unemployed, are particularly vulnerable to the lack affordable mobility options<ref>The Telegraph. (2014). ''Rural communities more isolated as transport forgotten''. Retrieved from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/10569800/Rural-communities-more-isolated-as-public-transport-forgotten.html</ref>. The problem is, however, also increasingly important for '''urban areas'''. According to experts, there is and has been an overemphasis of “higher speed” in urban planning, meaning that the transportation infrastructure would be mainly designed in a way to respond for a growing demand of faster transportation. Thereby, the aspect of “high density” seems to be neglected. In such an approach, there is a stronger focus on transportation responding to the growing travel demand as a tool to achieving social justice, ensuring that transport is affordable, easy to access for all parts of the society<ref>Litmann, T. (2017). ''Evaluating Accessibility for Transportation Planning''. Retrieved from http://www.vtpi.org/access.pdf</ref>.

===Global dimension of issue===

Looking at the topic on a European level is only a part of the problem. Taking the '''global differences in transport developments''' into consideration, this becomes evident. Overall, the highest increase in transport demands and the involved GHG emissions is expected to take place in '''developing countries'''<ref>OECD. (2010). ''OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050.'' Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/env/cc/49082173.pdf
</ref>. Furthermore, the UN estimates that these countries account for close to 90% of urbanisation worldwide<ref>United Nations. (2014). ''World’s population increasingly urban with more than half living in urban areas.'' Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news/population/world-urbanization-prospects-2014.html</ref>. The strong societal and global environmental impacts that are generated by transportation give good reason to view the topic from a global perspective.

==Measures in place==

===General goals on international and European level===

Under Goal 11, ‘’Sustainable Cities and Communities’’ of the '''[[Sustainable Development Goals]]''', the UN agreed on a target to create "access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons."<ref>United Nations Development Programme. (2017). ''Goal 11 Targets.'' Retrieved from http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-11-sustainable-cities-and-communities/targets.html</ref>

Furthermore, the '''New Urban Agenda''' was adopted at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (UN Habitat III) in Quito in October 2016. It aims to "Improve connectivity and support innovative and green initiatives" and "Promote safe, accessible and green public spaces"<ref>United Nations. (2016).''The New Urban Agenda: Key Commitments.'' Retrieved from http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2016/10/newurbanagenda/</ref>.

With regards to emissions, the '''2015 [[Paris Agreement]]''' laid down key international goals. It set the objectives to keeping the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial level and limit the increase to 1.5°C. Moreover, the Agreement aims at reducing GHG emissions by at least 20% between 2012 and 2030. Expressing their commitment, the EU as well as most Member States individually ratified the Paris Agreement<ref>European Council. (2016). Climate Change: Council adopts decision for EU ratification of Paris Agreement Retrieved from http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/10/04-adoption-paris-agreement/</ref>.
On a European level, the '''EU 2020 strategy''', adopted in 2010, set general targets to address climate change and energy sustainability such as cutting GHG by 20% until 2020, compared to 1990 levels. As a follow up, the '''2030 Energy Strategy''' targets to reduce emissions by 40% until 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Additionally, national emission targets are set by the [[Effort Sharing Decision]].

Looking more specifically at transport, the European Commission’s '''2011 White Paper''' constitutes the EU’s main policy goals for sustainability<ref>European Commission. (2017). White Paper 2011. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/strategies/2011_white_paper_en</ref>. For 2050, these include:
*reduction of 60% in GHG from transport (compared to 1990 levels)
*European cities free of conventionally-fuelled cars
*reduction in dependence on oil
*development of alternative fuels strategy
In 2016, the EC proposed [[A European strategy for low-emissions mobility]].

===Measures on the European level===

*In 1996, the EU established the '''Trans-European Transport Networks programme (TEN-T)''' to enhance the European infrastructure network. The programme consisting of a variety of infrastructural projects aiming to improve the cohesion, interconnection and interoperability of trans-European transport<ref>European Commission. (2017). TEN-T Projects. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/ten-t/ten-t-projects </ref>.
*Adopted in 2009 by the European Commission, the '''Action Plan on Urban Mobility''' includes measures to help local, regional and national authorities in achieving their goals for sustainable urban mobility<ref>European Commission. (2017). ''Action Plan on urban mobility.'' Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/urban_mobility/action_plan_en</ref>. In 2013, this commitment was reinforced with 2013 Urban Mobility Package<ref>European Commission. (2017). ''Urban Mobility Package.'' Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/urban_mobility/ump_en</ref>.
*Adopted in 2016, the '''Fourth Railway Package''' aims to improve the competitiveness, quality and cost-efficiency of rail transport by opening it to the market and facilitating railway undertakings beyond single Member States<ref>European Commission. (2017). ''Fourth Railway Package of 2016.'' Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/rail/packages/2013_en</ref>.
*There is a set of European legislation concerning the use of alternative fuels.The 2009 '''Renewable Energy Directive (RED''') set legally binding targets for Member States to obtain at least 10% of their transport fuels from renewable sources by 2020<ref>European Commission. (2017). ''Renewable energy directive.'' Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-directive</ref>. As the transport sector achieved a 6% share of renewable energy in 2015, some Member States will have to intensify their efforts in order to meet this target<ref>European Commission. (2017). ''Progress Report.'' Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/renewable-energy/progress-reports</ref>. Additionally, the 2014 '''Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive - (AFID''') requires Member States to develop national policy framework for the market development of alternative fuels and their infrastructure<ref>European Commission. (2017). ''Alternative fuels for sustainable mobility in Europe.'' Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/cpt_en</ref>. The 2015 Fuel Quality Directive limit the share of biofuel that can be counted towards the 2020 renewable energy targets to 7%<ref>EUR-Lex. (2015). ''Directive (EU) 2015/1513 of the European Parliament and of the Council.'' Retrieved from http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32015L1513</ref>.
*The EU has several '''financial instruments''' to support investment and research in the area of transport, such as the [[Horizon 2020 work programme]] and the [[Connecting Europe Facility]].

===European States and Local Authorities===

Transport is a policy area in which both the EU and the Member States legislate. '''National Governments''' therefore play a key role in making policy decision, infrastructure investment as well as implementing respective EU legislation. National approaches vary in many aspects, with some States being more ambitious in shifting towards sustainable transportation than others.

Often, '''cities and local authorities''' are responsible for urban planning and transport infrastructure. While measures taken by different cities vary largely<ref>EPOMM. (2017). ''TEMS - The EPOMM Modal Split Tool.'' Retrieved fromhttp://www.epomm.eu/tems/result_cities.phtml?more=1</ref>, '''sustainable urban transportation concepts''' include the establishment of public space for low-emission mobility including cycling and walking as well as accessible public transport. There has been both governmental and non-governmental efforts to foster '''cooperation and exchange''' of best practices among cities. On a European level, these include EPOMM <ref>EPOMM. (2017). ''Overview.'' Retrieved from http://www.epomm.eu/index.php?id=2663</ref>, Smart Cities and Communities<ref>European Commission. (2017). ''Smart Cities and Communities.'' Retrieved from http://ec.europa.eu/eip/smartcities/</ref> and EUROCITIES<ref>UROCITIES. (2016). ''about EUROCITIES.'' Retrieved from http://www.eurocities.eu/eurocities/about_us</ref>. To a much smaller extent, there has also been effort for global cooperation of cities such as Action Platform: Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI)<ref>UEMI. (2017). ''about UEMI.'' Retrieved from http://www.uemi.net/uemi.html</ref>.

===Aviation===
In 2016, the '''International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)''', an UN specialized agency, agreed on a plan to reduce aviation emissions and cap them at 2020 levels. While all other transport sectors are excluded from it, aviation is part of the [[Emissions Trading Scheme]] (ETS). While its scope has been limited to flights within the EEA until 2016 in order to support the ICAOs efforts for a global agreement, it is now being discussed whether this limited approach should be continued.

==Key Conflicts, Opportunities & Challenges of (Potential) Measures==

===Unsuitability of purely technical solutions===

Analyzing the current trends and policies, the EEA expects European passenger transport to grow by 40% between 2010 and 2050<ref>EEA. (2016). Term 2016: ''Fundamental changes needed for sustainable mobility.'' Retrieved from https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/term-2016-fundamental-changes-needed.</ref> Furthermore, it expects GHG emissions in 2050 to be three times higher than targeted at by the EC. The report therefore suggests that '''current policies are insufficient''' in achieving sustainability. The EEA urges that besides technical solutions and improvements in the energy-efficiency of existing modes of transportation, a much more fundamental change in travel behaviour is needed.
A multi-perspective method is proposed to address the issue: '''Avoid, Shift, Improve''':
*''Avoid'' high transport demand: Measures that aim to reduce the individual’s behaviour in everyday practice of using certain transportation.
*''Shift'' to more sustainable modes with low or zero emission: Measures that facilitate a shift from aviation and road to more energy efficient modes such as waterborne and public transport as well as cycling or walking.
*''Improve'' energy efficiency of individual transport modes: Incentives for increased competitiveness.

===Factors that hamper the exploitation of existing opportunities for improvement:===

Some factors can be identified that appear to hamper the exploitation of already existing opportunities, such as new transportation technologies, or mobility concepts. These include:
* '''investment in certain infrastructures''': In 2014, the investment into road infrastructure 52% of investment in transport into road infrastructure.Such a high investment is argued to generate new demand, reinforcement of car-dependency, hindering investment in more sustainable transport.
[[File:Investment in transport infrastructure - EEA 2016.png|thumb|Investment in transport infrastructure - EEA 2016]]

* according to the EEA, incumbent interests of '''car manufacturing industries''' seem to play a role, as the industry’s interest to seek niche technologies is dependent on external pressure for change.
*incentives generated by '''current taxation policies''', such as the absence of a kerosene tax on international flights, are described to insufficiently encourage a shift to more sustainable alternatives.

===Possibilities for change===
A variety of different actions is discussed as carrying the potential to create sustainable and accessible transport, including:
*'''Taxation''' constitutes a possible tool to encourage the development and usage of more sustainable alternatives, as for example fuel in the aviation sector. An '''internalisation of external costs''', such as environmental destruction, into the price of transportation could affect consumers decision in their mobility choices. However, high pricing of certain modes of transportation could also increase social injustice in access.
*Measures to '''lower the purchase costs of electric vehicles''' could increase sustainable private mobility, might however have a possible rebound effect resulting in higher emissions and energy-usage.
*'''Shared mobility''', including car sharing, on-demand ride services, ride-sharing, bike sharing, might be increasingly provided by local authorities or private companies such Car2Go or DriveNow in. There, however are concerns about a possible reverse effect of car sharing, with a decline in public transport ultimately leading to higher emissions<ref>The Guardian. (2017). ''What if Uber kills off public transport rather than cars?'' Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/jan/13/uber-lyft-cars-public-transport-cities-commuting</ref>. Additionally, there is a controversy about unfair competition of sharing mobility services, with several countries having banned Uber<ref>The Independent. (2017). ''Uber: Which countries have banned the controversial taxi app.'' Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/uber-ban-countries-where-world-taxi-app-europe-taxi-us-states-china-asia-legal-a7707436.html</ref>.
*'''Public-private partnerships''' promise a more competitive, higher quality and seamless transport. *'''Multimodality''': the combination of different modes of transport bring hope for a reduction of road transport in urban areas, offering even more public space for zero-emission mobility. At the same time, shared mobility can supplement public transport in more peripheral areas, that would otherwise be inaccessible.
*'''Information and communications technology (ICT)''' enables '''demand responsive transport services''', which could provide more efficient and accessible public transport in rural areas<ref>Ringalink. (2017). ''Demand responsive transport.'' http://www.ringalink.ie/demand-responsive-transport.html</ref>.
*Large potential is seen in the investment into '''technological transportation innovations''' such as '''autonomous vehicles (AVs)'''<ref>Government Technology. (2014). ''How Transportation Technologies Will Change Everything.'' Retrieved from http://www.govtech.com/transportation/How-Transportation-Technologies-Will-Change-Everything-.html</ref> or even more visionary projects like the hyperloop<ref>TechChrunch. (2017). ''Hyperloop Transportation Technologies plans to connect all of Europe, starting with the Czech Republic.'' Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/18/hyperloop-transportation-technologies-plans-to-connect-all-of-europe-starting-with-the-czech-republic/</ref>. There are, however, controversies about these transportations, including concerns about the environmental meaningfulness, security, economic feasibility<ref>The Guardian. (2016). ''Hyperloop and our misplaced love of futuristic technology.'' Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/aug/14/hyperloop-elon-musk-futuristic-technology-transport</ref>.

==Sum Up and Food for thought==

Global megatrends such population growth and urbanisation give rise to new challenges for passenger transportation. On the one hand, there is a need for transportation to respond to the mobility needs of people and become more accessible. On the other hand, the transport sector For the TRAN committee, this poses questions such as:
*Do accessibility to transport and sustainability oppose each other?
*Are they mutually exclusive and require a trade-off or can they be combined?

Current research suggests that the future development under the existing legislation are insufficient in achieving policy goals to reduce GHG emissions. Taking the model ‘’Avoid, Shift, Improve’’ in account:
*How explicit and restrictive should measures be in evoking behavioural change?

Having these general considerations in mind, the topic can be viewed on the local, national, European and global policy level, with a variety of governmental and non-governmental actors involved. Moreover, it appears that there are ample opportunities for an improvement of transportation, including technological innovations, ICT, and shared mobility. Still, there seem to be factors that hinder the exploitation of such opportunities.
*What are the best tactics to most effectively address transportation on these different policy levels? *What role should the EU play in the global scope of the problem?
*What roles should local authorities, Member States and companies play?

While various cities within and outside of Europe have already implemented sustainable and accessible mobility concepts very successfully, Many others have not yet undergone such a development.
*How can the exchange of best practices among cities and local authorities be facilitated?

==Links for further research==

*'''Official Sources:'''

EEA (2016): ''Term 2016: Fundamental changes needed for sustainable mobility:'' [https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/term-2016-fundamental-changes-needed]
(the entire report is rather long but at least scrolling through it is highly recommended)

EEA (2016): An selection of various charts: https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators#c5=transport&b_start=0

*'''Media coverage:'''

Euractiv news on the Future of Mobility: https://www.euractiv.com/sections/future-of-mobility/
Euractiv news on Public Transport Accessibility: https://www.euractiv.com/sections/public-transport-accessibility/

BBC. (2016). Aviation industry agrees deal to cut CO2 emissions.
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37573434

The Guardian. (2017). What if Uber kills off public transport rather than cars? https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/jan/13/uber-lyft-cars-public-transport-cities-commuting

Government Technology. (2014). How Transportation Technologies Will Change Everything. http://www.govtech.com/transportation/How-Transportation-Technologies-Will-Change-Everything-.html

== References ==

Category:Heidelberg:REGI

2017-07-04T21:10:40Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|Energy as a commons? With paradigms new markets and opportunities arising with digitalising in the energy sector and democratising means of production and distribution, how can regulation be designed in such a way that energy systems these markets are equitable and ensure participation across society?}}

The committee on regional development in Heidelberg will focus on the power shift from centralised to decentralised distribution systems. With EU citizens' growing awareness of environmental issues, new technological developments and smart power grids on the horizon, a shift towards a distributed system that includes consumers and turns them into co-producers is a possible future for Europe's energy union.
There are many challenges that have to be met before such a transfer can take place: The liberalisation of the energy market is still not fully implemented and little investments are in place to fund distributed systems. Many citizens seem to be "energy illiterate". Moreover, the data recorded through power grids raises questions concerning data storage and protection. Finally, there is currently no strategy on who would regulate a European-wide power grid and how.
To overcome these obstacles and ensure a bright future for distributed systems in the energy union is what REGI will cover in committee work and resolution.

== The Past: Distributing energy the traditional way ==
* The traditional power grid
* production - transmission - distribution - consumer
* Electricity takes over other forms of energy (electric cars etc.)
* Russia-EU relations etc. increase uncertainty
* Current European Energy facilities will have to be modernised soon
* Energy trading taking over
* More and more people are installing solar panels on their own

== The Future: Smart grids - an outlook to what is possible ==
=== The economic dimension ===
* more efficiency through smart grids
* flexibility through information of residential energy use
* intelligent and flexible grids instead of linear distribution
=== The societal dimension ===
* consumers become co-producers
* "energy literacy" goes up
* decentralisation through empowerment of citizens
=== The technological dimension ===
* both electricity and information are exchanged
* ensuring interoperability in smart power grids
* reporting energy usage to increase efficiency
=== The environmental dimension ===
* pushing decarbonisation
* Consumers more likely to install renewable sources of energy (e.g. solar panels)
* consumers have a greater influence on the amount of renewable energy used in Europe

== The Present: Obstacles to be addressed ==
=== The economic dimension ===
* most systems still centralised
* little investments into smart grid projects
* energy market rules need to be newly defined
* the roles of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and Transmission System Operators (TSOs) need to be alternated and defined
* energy markets are often unpredictable
* how can affordable energy prices for consumers be ensured?
* only large infrastructure programmes are funded at the moment
=== The societal dimension ===
* Energy illiteracy: In the current system, the user is a passive consumer, always dependent on utility companies, ignorant of how the energy system works
* currently costs outweigh benefits
* liberalisation of the energy market still ongoing
* will things be regulated on a national or transnational (European) level? (see energy meters)
* how are consumers motivated to become co-producers of energy?
* how is knowledge about grid possibilities spread to citizens?
* how can the public be involved in large-scale projects?
=== The technological dimension ===
* data protection: new risks for consumers as energy usage data is recorded
* security: grid system open to cyber attacks that could disable areas of the grid?
* reliability: is the grid going to be reliable at all times?
* data storage: huge sums of data will be recorded
* are microgrids a possibility?
=== The environmental dimension ===
* do renewable means of energy really push smart grids?

== The Actors: Who is involved ==
*EU Commission & DG on Energy
*Member States’ energy ministries and distribution systems
*Connecting Europe Facility
*EU citizens as “prosumers”

== Measures in Place: What has been done ==
Questions to be answered:
What are sources of knowledge EU citizens to look into at the moment?
What are microgrids and how do they work?

=== Clean Energy Package ===
* http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-3986_en.htm
* http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-3961_en.htm
* https://ec.europa.eu/commission/priorities/energy-union-and-climate_en

=== SET-Plan ===
The European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) aims to accelerate the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies. It seeks to improve new technologies and bring down costs by coordinating national research efforts and helping to finance projects.

=== TEN-E ===
The Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E) – are programmes set up by the EU for the implementation of the European Single Market. The Trans-European Networks aim at "linking island, landlocked and peripheral regions with the central regions of the community”.

== A final outlook ==

== Links for further Research ==
* https://blog.p2pfoundation.net/energy-as-a-common-good/2017/02/22
* http://energyandcarbon.com/digitalisation-energy-implications/

== References ==

[[Category:REGI]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

Energy as a commons?

2017-07-04T21:10:34Z

Kerstin: Redirected page to Category:Heidelberg:REGI

#REDIRECT [[Category:Heidelberg:REGI]]

Energy as a commons?

2017-07-04T21:08:42Z

Kerstin:

Energy Efficiency Directive

2017-07-04T21:04:25Z

Kerstin:

The '''Energy Efficiency Directive''', adopted in 2012, is a supplementary Directive aimed at aiding MS in reaching the goals outlined in the [[2020 climate and energy package|2020 EU Climate and Energy Package]]. 2016 saw the Commission proposing updates to the Directive, in order to ensure that the new targets, underlined in the 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy are met.

Specific measures and policies outlined in the Directive include:

* a requirement for energy distributors and companies to achieve 1.5% energy savings per year by implementing energy efficiency measures
* this aforementioned level of energy savings may also be achieved through other means, such as the optimisation of heating or insulation systems
* advice for the public sector in MS to be housed in energy efficient buildings, as well as make use of energy efficient buildings, products and services
* further suggestions for MS governments to carry out energy efficient rennovations on, at least 3% (by floor area) of the buildings they own and occupy
* providing individual metering to consumers, to make free data on their own consumption available to them
* nationally incentivising SMEs to undergo energy audits
* auditing the energy consumption of large companies to help them identify ways of reducing said consumption
* monitoring efficiency levels in new energy generation capacities.<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-directive</ref>

[[Category:Heidelberg:ITRE II]]

Energy Union

2017-07-04T21:04:01Z

Kerstin:

[[Energy Union]] is a policy framework proposed by the [[European Commission]] based on long-established objectives of EU energy policy, namely security of supply, sustainability and competitiveness. The Energy Union aims at furthering integration and coordination of Member States on five dimensions:
* Energy security, solidarity and trust;
* the internal energy market;
* energy efficiency as a contribution to the moderation of energy demand;
* decarbonisation of the economy and
* research, innovation and competitiveness.

The implementation of the ''[[Energy Union]] strategy with a forward looking climate change policy'' was launched as one of the political priorities of the Juncker Commission in February 2015. It will allow a free flow of energy across borders and a secure supply in every EU country through one unique internal energy market.

[http://ec.europa.eu/priorities/energy-union-and-climate_en Energy Union]

[[Category:Lyon Prep Kit]]
[[Category:Economic Dimension]]
[[Category:Lyon:ECON II]]
[[Category:Heidelberg:ITRE II]]

European Energy Security Strategy

2017-07-04T21:03:42Z

Kerstin:

Released in May 2014, the Energy Security Strategy aims to secure the supply of energy within the Union and make the electricity market less reliant on imports, EU-wide, and less reliant on a singular provider State-wise. The strategy can be divided into Short and Long term measures.
The Short-term measures explored in the strategy, were largely a response to the Ukrainian crisis, when Russian gas supply could be disrupted for at least six-months. Stress tests carried out in 2014 showed that even in the event of a spontaneous cut in the gas supply, European countries could cope without Russian gas, as long as effective cooperation between them was achieved. In light of this, the Commission advised MS to develop regional plans of cooperation, in the case of such shortages from imported energy.
However, though the short-term measures devised by the EU are enough to ensure that energy shortages are not felt by consumers and do not hinder the growth of the economy, long term measures are still required to wean the EU off imported energy sources and ensure stability. As such, the strategy proposes the following measures:
* Achieving the goals outlined in the 2030 Framework for Climate and energy
* Increasing and diversifying energy supply in the EU by: 
a) further investing in renewable energy sources,
 
b) encouraging sustainable fossil fuel production
 
c) considering the option of safe nuclear energy within the EU
* Moving towards a fully integrated internal energy market, by investing in cross-country infrastructure, able to redistribute energy according to demand
* Ensuring solidarity and security by protecting critical infrastructure and encouraging the sharing of such technologies, where available
* Ensuring the existence of regional preparedness plans, in the case of a sudden fall of external energy supply
* Achieving better communication between MS and the European Commission where Energy deals with non-EU countries are concerned
* Entering effective negotiations both with current energy partners (Russia, Norway, Saudi Arabia) and possibly new energy partners.<ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/energy-strategy-and-energy-union/energy-security-strategy</ref>

[[Category:Heidelberg:ITRE II]]

2030 Framework for Climate and Energy

2017-07-04T21:03:26Z

Kerstin:

The 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy was conceived as an extension and continuation of the 2020 EU Climate and Energy Package, whereby Member States in 2014 agreed on EU-wide climate and energy targets of: 

* a 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels
* at least a 27% share of renewable energy consumption
* at least 27% energy savings compared with the business-as-usual scenario<ref>https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2030_en</ref> 

These targets, which were concluded to be ideal after thorough economic research into how to achieve decarbonisation and the Union’s long-term environmental goals by 2050.
Some legislative proposals in order to achieve these goals include: 

* Reforming the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
* Increased emphasis to be placed upon the competitiveness and security of the energy system to liberalise and diversify supply, as well as achieve better inter-connection between MS
* Improved policy coordination for a new governance systems to ensure transparency, policy cohesion between MS and stronger investor certainty<ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/energy-strategy-and-energy-union/2030-energy-strategy</ref>.

[[Category:Heidelberg:ITRE II]]

Category:Heidelberg:ITRE II

2017-07-04T21:02:24Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|''' 'Timing matters''': What measures should the EU take in order to increase energy efficiency from production to consumption and across sectors?}}

Optimising energy efficiency is one of the top priorities of the EU’s Energy policy. The Union is currently facing issues with energy wastage, dependency on foreign imports and has set goals for lowering energy consumption of the 2007 levels by 20% in 2020. Increasing energy efficiency from the very first step of production down to the commercial consumer is a matter which can yield multi-faceted benefits: it can reduce the amount of environmental degradation which results from energy production, decrease electricity costs and energy dependency from countries outside the Union, as well as make the EU energy market more competitive. Thus, with the development of new, environmentally friendly technologies, key steps leading to the ideal Energy Union - from production to consumption - are required. The benefits of this change are multiple: energy security for all citizens - even in the case of emergency -, financial savings, as well as less environmental degradation

==Relevance==
Energy efficiency is one of the EU's primary goals , seeing as it can benefit the economy, the environment and consumers, alike. The inefficient production and consumption of energy is propagating, and worsening the effects of, global warming, polluting the air and lowering the quality of life in cities. In light of [[Article 194 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union]], the EU continuously aims to provide:
* ''‘security of energy supply in the Union’,
* ''‘promote energy efficiency and the development of new and renewable forms of energy’''
* ''‘promote the interconnection of energy networks’''<ref>http://www.lisbon-treaty.org/wcm/the-lisbon-treaty/treaty-on-the-functioning-of-the-european-union-and-comments/part-3-union-policies-and-internal-actions/title-xxi-energy/485-article-194.html</ref>.
With environmental protection and energy policy being such a fundamental goal of the Union, the efficiency of the energy sector, in production, transportation and consumption, should be ensured.

===Energy consumption: facts and stats===
[[File:Eurostat energy consumption.png|thumb|right|Table 1: Gross inland consumption of energy, 1990–2014 (million tonnes of oil equivalent) Source: Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=nrg_100a&lang=en]]
With energy production moving towards more sustainable sources, consumption in EU households seems to also be decreasing, albeit rather slowly. This reduction in consumption by households is rather significant, since it accounts for as much as 24.8% of the Union's total. Energy consumption in households in the EU, thus fell by 1.3%, as explained by Eurostat<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Consumption_of_energy</ref>. However, this decrease is not equally distributed among MS, with a majority actually experiencing an increase in their electricity consumption (although mostly by less than 10%). Energy conservation efforts , including the installation of conservation equipment, may play a part in this overall decrease; although it is speculated that it is mostly linked to demographic changes. It is, however, tantamount to ensure that energy consumption is further reduced in households, where possible, utilising environmentally friendly technologies.

=== Energy production: facts and stats ===
Energy in the EU is produced through a multitude of sources, chiefly combustible fuels and [[Nuclear power plant|nuclear power plants]], making up for 47,6% and 27,4% of energy production in the Union, in 2014, respectively<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref> . Recently, however, the importance of renewable energy sources has increased, as highlighted by Eurostat reporting a massive increase of solar and wind power production from 0.02% in 2004 to 3.2%<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref> of the net electricity production of the EU by 2014. Surprisingly, renewable energy sources were the only resource that experienced such a uniform growth, from 2004 to 2014. There is a long way to go until our energy production becomes more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and efficiently utilises our natural resources.

What is perhaps alarming, is that primary production in the EU has experienced a slump in the years from 2010 to 2014, which does not correspond to a similar drop in demand, with energy production being 17.3 % lower in 2014, than it was in 2004 .

== Main issues, opportunities and challenges: ==
=== Challenges ===
==== Dependency on foreign imports ====
[[File:Foreign dependency.png|thumb|left|Table 2: Energy dependency rate — all products, 2014 (% of net imports in gross inland consumption and bunkers, based on tonnes of oil equivalent) Source: Eurostat http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tsdcc310&plugin=1]]

One of the greatest challenges the EU faces in terms of its energy sector, is how greatly dependent it is on foreign imports. Eurostat records that since 2004, energy imports have been higher than the primary production of energy in the EU, meaning that the Union is overwhelmingly dependent on foreign countries to secure its energy sector. More specifically, foreign imports increased from less than 40% of gross energy consumption in the 1980s to 53.5% in 2014. The highest energy dependency recorded was for crude oil, at 88.2% and natural gas, at 67.4%<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Energy_production_and_imports</ref>.

Energy dependency is also varied across MS, from Estonia, Denmark, Romania and Poland depending on foreign imports for less than 30% of their gross domestic energy consumption, to Luxembourg, Malta and Cyprus, recording an over 90% dependency on foreign imports. The reasons for this disparity, are the very differing natural resources in different MS, as well as the lack of development and competitiveness of the energy sector of many of these MS. Another fact which displays the Union's overwhelming energy dependency is that there is no MS in the EU which actively engages in energy exports. Denmark used to be the only exporter, until 2013, when the country also began importing energy. This creates a great problem for the Union, which seems to have no surplus energy and often cannot hold its own when it comes to satisfying energy demand with its own primary production.

==== Uneven supply and demand ====
A drawback of renewable energy sources is the uneven supply and demand of electricity. The demand for electricity fluctuates throughout the day<ref>https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=830</ref>, as well as throughout the year, and with renewable sources being used, so does supply. Solar panels, for example produce energy only during the day, and in much greater volume during the warmer months. Thus, it is important to balance the grid and match supply to demand, meaning that either renewable power stations must limit their production during times of low demand, or that energy is not consumed and eventually wasted.
Uneven supply and demand can also affect the EU regionally, as the energy needs of each country may vary greatly, due to such things as: time differences and seasonal requirements (air-conditioning/heating)<ref>https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=4190</ref>.
The problem is intensified, as the analog grids, currently used in most EU Member States, do not involve any storage facilities and, for the most part, do not account for energy wastage, as a direct result of uneven demand and supply of energy.

==== Environmental concerns ====
[[File:Greenhouse gas emissions.png|thumb|Table 3: Total greenhouse gas emissions (including international aviation and indirect CO2, excluding LULUCF), by country, 1990–2014 (million tonnes of CO2-equivalents) Source: Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=env_air_gge&lang=en]]
A stark drawback of conventional energy production is environmental degradation. Only less than one-fifth of the overall energy production of the Union is derived from renewable energy sources, meaning that for the rest, the EU is utilising fossil fuels or nuclear energy, leading to destructive consequences on the environment.

In 2014, Eurostat reported that the EU, as a whole emitted 4 419.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere , as a result of energy production from non-renewable sources. Despite this figure being 22.9% lower than the amount released in 1990<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Greenhouse_gas_emission_statistics</ref> environmental damage caused by the release of such a large amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, lead to the depletion of the ozone layer, and consequently, global warming.

Another way in which energy production can harm the environment is through the improper disposal of radioactive waste: a by-product of nuclear energy production. However, nuclear energy does not only pose a threat to the environment due to its by-products, their possible mis-handling, and the amount of time they require to decompose but also due to the high risk it bears, should a reactor be left unattended. For this reason, Germany has sworn off using nuclear energy, whilst two reactors in Belgium have been shut down, after the discovery of cracks.<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/atyourservice/en/displayFtu.html?ftuId=FTU_5.7.5.html</ref>

==== Monopolies and weak energy market ====
Another major issue faced by the Union, in terms of energy production is the lack of market liberalisation in the electricity production sector in many Member States. For example, in small States such as Cyprus or Malta, the largest power generator held 100% of the market share for electricity in 2014, according to Eurostat<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref>. This is an area of concern for the issue of energy efficiency, as it means that the production of electricity in the country is subject to limited or no investment in the free market, potentially hindering the sector’s growth.

Energy monopolies in Member States, have a lot to do with the public sector, as well. In many cases, monopoly in the energy sector exists due to the fact that the biggest electricity production company in the country is state-owned. Such is the case in France, for example, where Electricité de France (EDF) currently provides 90% of the country's net electricity<ref>http://www.economist.com/node/3485202</ref>, especially for residential consumption. The most common argument in favour of this is protection of consumers, as state-owned enterprises are less likely to hold consumers to ransom by cutting supply when the monthly fee is not payed, or raise prices unaccountably. There is also the issue of infrastructure development, an often very costly enterprise, which is not easily taken up by private firms, unless a private monopoly is guaranteed. For this reason, the state often builds energy infrastructure and subsequently also manages it.

Nevertheless, market liberalisation is, one of the key goals of the Commission when it comes to the energy market, as it would allow consumers to choose their providers freely, instead of being forced to abide by the standards of a single- or in any case, very few- companies.

== Opportunities ==
=== Better infrastructure ===
==== Energy sharing between MS ====
In order to be able to match demand to supply in power, and ensure that countries can guarantee energy supply to their citizens (even in the case of a spontaneous halt in the use of imported fossil fuels), it is tantamount for MS to co-operate with each other. Moreover, further investments in infrastructure will allow energy to flow freely and efficiently throughout the EU. Thereby, the vision of the Energy Union could be achieved and the problems regarding the existence of ‘energy islands’ throughout the Union would be addressed.

The European Council set a 10% interconnection target to be completed by 2020, which the Commission believes should be extended to 15% by 2030<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-resilient-energy-union-with-a-climate-change-policy/file-15-electricity-interconnection-target</ref> Investment in such cross-border connective infrastructure is a key step in ensuring stable energy supply and prevent wastage.

The Baltic region sets a good example of inter-connectivity initiatives, with two Estlink connections linking Estonia and Finland; the Litpol link connecting Lithuania and Poland; and Nordbalt between Sweden and Lithuania. <ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/infrastructure/baltic-energy-market-interconnection-plan</ref>. All these initiatives have raised the inter-connectivity of the Baltic countries to the EU energy sector by up to 22%. The Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) aims to integrate the energy market in the baltic region even further, by establishing a common power exchange within the Baltic region, completely removing tariffs and filling holes in the demand and supply systems of the interconnected countries. Such regional initiatives also exist in Nordic countries, whereby effective energy exchange takes place through the monitoring of possible energy deficiencies and by adjusting production in neighbouring countries to account for it. Price areas are thereby determined, in order for fairer pricing of energy to be facilitated, while legal barriers are effectively overcome<ref>http://www.nordicenergy.org/article/interconnected-nordic-power-systems/</ref>.

==== Smart Grids ====
Smart grids are the latest technology in the energy sector. The current grid system present in most MS is considered outdated, as it allows only a one-way flow of electricity from production stations and storing facilities to the consumers. As mentioned above in the uneven demand and supply challenge, conventional grids cannot respond to the unequal demand and supply of energy at different times of the day or the year. In contrast, the smart grid establishes a two-way communication line, involving the consumers, production facilities and storage facilities, in order to balance the demand and supply of energy more effectively. As part of smart grids, the energy demands of the country are measured and recorded, and energy is better distributed to consumers.

Specifically, digital meters allow consumers to have in-depth information on their energy consumption. This could help consumers, themselves, monitor their consumption and limit it where possible, to curb costs as well as harmful effects on the environment. Other gadgets available as part of Smart grids include
*Phrasor Measurement Units, which allow processors to assess grid stability, thus preventing malfunctions
*automated feeder switches, which can reroute energy traffic around any possible problems in the system
*batteries, able to store excess energy produced during hours of low demand and re-supply it to the system when demand rises.<ref>https://energy.gov/oe/services/technology-development/smart-grid</ref>

=== Increasing Energy Efficiency in Households ===
In recent years, the EU has placed increasing importance on energy efficiency in households. As part of this ambition to cut down energy consumption by households, the EU endorses and provides incentives for the creation of energy efficient household appliances, meeting minimum energy efficiency targets, for example. Ecodesign regulations require that manufacturers ensure that their products consume the lowest amount of energy possible. The regulations, set at a European level, under [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:285:0010:0035:en:PDF Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council], ensure that manufacturers of products mentioned in the Directive, such as (but not limited to): air heating and cooling tools, computers, televisions, domestic cooking appliances, abide by the energy efficiency regulations. The Commission monitors the implementation of this Directive, as well as managing any bilateral agreements with manufacturers of other types of goods.

Another way in which the EU encourages energy efficiency in Household products sold within the Union is through the introduction of harmonised energy labels. These help consumers determine which products are most energy efficient, and thus also, most cost efficient for them. The scale proposed by the Commission in 2015, goes from A to G, with the most energy-efficient products being labelled A. Indeed, since the introduction of labels in 1995, energy efficient products have attracted more and more customers, effectively urging manufacturers to create increasingly energy efficient products. The result of these labels, combined with the Energy Efficiency Directive is predicted to save around 175 million tonnes of oil, as well as 465 euros per year in each household's energy costs.

== Policy already in place/being discussed ==
=== [[2030 Framework for Climate and Energy]] ===
=== [[European Energy Security Strategy]] ===
=== [[Energy Union]] ===
=== [[Energy Efficiency Directive]] ===
== Sum up ==
To sum up, the energy market in the European Union is a booming sector, which however, is undergoing major changes in recent years and still has a long way to go until it is sufficiently efficient. Corporate interests, although respected, may need to be compromised, in order to achieve market liberalisation (the lack of which is currently holding back the market), while consumers and smaller businesses may also need to change their habits. Indeed, with the EU so majorly emphasising the importance of a well-integrated Energy Union, pushing for a shift to renewable energy sources and calling for energy conservation at every level, it is time to look into the concrete measures that are required in order to reach the ambitious goals set forth in the 2030 Agenda, achieve de-carbonisation by 2050, but most importantly: ensure that energy production in the Union is as effective and as efficient as possible.

== Further Research==
* [https://www.smartgrid.gov/video/smart_grid.mp4 A quick and useful video guide to power grids]
* [http://defiris.ec.streamcloud.be/findmedia/05/067945/LR_I067945EN1W.mp4?latest=0000334224 Fun video explaining energy efficient products/appliances in the EU]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByCOTG2-mhg Another creative video showing how other methods can be utilised in households to increase energy efficiency]

== References ==

[[Category:Technological Dimension]]
[[Category:Economic Dimension]]
[[Category:Environmental Dimension]]
[[Category:ITRE]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

Category:Heidelberg:ITRE II

2017-07-04T21:01:25Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|''' 'Timing matters''': What measures should the EU take in order to increase energy efficiency from production to consumption and across sectors?}}

Optimising energy efficiency is one of the top priorities of the EU’s Energy policy. The Union is currently facing issues with energy wastage, dependency on foreign imports and has set goals for lowering energy consumption of the 2007 levels by 20% in 2020. Increasing energy efficiency from the very first step of production down to the commercial consumer is a matter which can yield multi-faceted benefits: it can reduce the amount of environmental degradation which results from energy production, decrease electricity costs and energy dependency from countries outside the Union, as well as make the EU energy market more competitive. Thus, with the development of new, environmentally friendly technologies, key steps leading to the ideal Energy Union - from production to consumption - are required. The benefits of this change are multiple: energy security for all citizens - even in the case of emergency -, financial savings, as well as less environmental degradation

==Relevance==
Energy efficiency is one of the EU's primary goals , seeing as it can benefit the economy, the environment and consumers, alike. The inefficient production and consumption of energy is propagating, and worsening the effects of, global warming, polluting the air and lowering the quality of life in cities. In light of [[Article 194 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union]], the EU continuously aims to provide:
* ''‘security of energy supply in the Union’,
* ''‘promote energy efficiency and the development of new and renewable forms of energy’''
* ''‘promote the interconnection of energy networks’''<ref>http://www.lisbon-treaty.org/wcm/the-lisbon-treaty/treaty-on-the-functioning-of-the-european-union-and-comments/part-3-union-policies-and-internal-actions/title-xxi-energy/485-article-194.html</ref>.
With environmental protection and energy policy being such a fundamental goal of the Union, the efficiency of the energy sector, in production, transportation and consumption, should be ensured.

===Energy consumption: facts and stats===
[[File:Eurostat energy consumption.png|thumb|right|Table 1: Gross inland consumption of energy, 1990–2014 (million tonnes of oil equivalent) Source: Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=nrg_100a&lang=en]]
With energy production moving towards more sustainable sources, consumption in EU households seems to also be decreasing, albeit rather slowly. This reduction in consumption by households is rather significant, since it accounts for as much as 24.8% of the Union's total. Energy consumption in households in the EU, thus fell by 1.3%, as explained by Eurostat<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Consumption_of_energy</ref>. However, this decrease is not equally distributed among MS, with a majority actually experiencing an increase in their electricity consumption (although mostly by less than 10%). Energy conservation efforts , including the installation of conservation equipment, may play a part in this overall decrease; although it is speculated that it is mostly linked to demographic changes. It is, however, tantamount to ensure that energy consumption is further reduced in households, where possible, utilising environmentally friendly technologies.

=== Energy production: facts and stats ===
Energy in the EU is produced through a multitude of sources, chiefly combustible fuels and [[Nuclear power plant|nuclear power plants]], making up for 47,6% and 27,4% of energy production in the Union, in 2014, respectively<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref> . Recently, however, the importance of renewable energy sources has increased, as highlighted by Eurostat reporting a massive increase of solar and wind power production from 0.02% in 2004 to 3.2%<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref> of the net electricity production of the EU by 2014. Surprisingly, renewable energy sources were the only resource that experienced such a uniform growth, from 2004 to 2014. There is a long way to go until our energy production becomes more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and efficiently utilises our natural resources.

What is perhaps alarming, is that primary production in the EU has experienced a slump in the years from 2010 to 2014, which does not correspond to a similar drop in demand, with energy production being 17.3 % lower in 2014, than it was in 2004 .

== Main issues, opportunities and challenges: ==
=== Challenges ===
==== Dependency on foreign imports ====
[[File:Foreign dependency.png|thumb|left|Table 2: Energy dependency rate — all products, 2014 (% of net imports in gross inland consumption and bunkers, based on tonnes of oil equivalent) Source: Eurostat http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tsdcc310&plugin=1]]

One of the greatest challenges the EU faces in terms of its energy sector, is how greatly dependent it is on foreign imports. Eurostat records that since 2004, energy imports have been higher than the primary production of energy in the EU, meaning that the Union is overwhelmingly dependent on foreign countries to secure its energy sector. More specifically, foreign imports increased from less than 40% of gross energy consumption in the 1980s to 53.5% in 2014. The highest energy dependency recorded was for crude oil, at 88.2% and natural gas, at 67.4%<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Energy_production_and_imports</ref>.

Energy dependency is also varied across MS, from Estonia, Denmark, Romania and Poland depending on foreign imports for less than 30% of their gross domestic energy consumption, to Luxembourg, Malta and Cyprus, recording an over 90% dependency on foreign imports. The reasons for this disparity, are the very differing natural resources in different MS, as well as the lack of development and competitiveness of the energy sector of many of these MS. Another fact which displays the Union's overwhelming energy dependency is that there is no MS in the EU which actively engages in energy exports. Denmark used to be the only exporter, until 2013, when the country also began importing energy. This creates a great problem for the Union, which seems to have no surplus energy and often cannot hold its own when it comes to satisfying energy demand with its own primary production.

==== Uneven supply and demand ====
A drawback of renewable energy sources is the uneven supply and demand of electricity. The demand for electricity fluctuates throughout the day<ref>https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=830</ref>, as well as throughout the year, and with renewable sources being used, so does supply. Solar panels, for example produce energy only during the day, and in much greater volume during the warmer months. Thus, it is important to balance the grid and match supply to demand, meaning that either renewable power stations must limit their production during times of low demand, or that energy is not consumed and eventually wasted.
Uneven supply and demand can also affect the EU regionally, as the energy needs of each country may vary greatly, due to such things as: time differences and seasonal requirements (air-conditioning/heating)<ref>https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=4190</ref>.
The problem is intensified, as the analog grids, currently used in most EU Member States, do not involve any storage facilities and, for the most part, do not account for energy wastage, as a direct result of uneven demand and supply of energy.

==== Environmental concerns ====
[[File:Greenhouse gas emissions.png|thumb|Table 3: Total greenhouse gas emissions (including international aviation and indirect CO2, excluding LULUCF), by country, 1990–2014 (million tonnes of CO2-equivalents) Source: Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=env_air_gge&lang=en]]
A stark drawback of conventional energy production is environmental degradation. Only less than one-fifth of the overall energy production of the Union is derived from renewable energy sources, meaning that for the rest, the EU is utilising fossil fuels or nuclear energy, leading to destructive consequences on the environment.

In 2014, Eurostat reported that the EU, as a whole emitted 4 419.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere , as a result of energy production from non-renewable sources. Despite this figure being 22.9% lower than the amount released in 1990<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Greenhouse_gas_emission_statistics</ref> environmental damage caused by the release of such a large amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, lead to the depletion of the ozone layer, and consequently, global warming.

Another way in which energy production can harm the environment is through the improper disposal of radioactive waste: a by-product of nuclear energy production. However, nuclear energy does not only pose a threat to the environment due to its by-products, their possible mis-handling, and the amount of time they require to decompose but also due to the high risk it bears, should a reactor be left unattended. For this reason, Germany has sworn off using nuclear energy, whilst two reactors in Belgium have been shut down, after the discovery of cracks.<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/atyourservice/en/displayFtu.html?ftuId=FTU_5.7.5.html</ref>

==== Monopolies and weak energy market ====
Another major issue faced by the Union, in terms of energy production is the lack of market liberalisation in the electricity production sector in many Member States. For example, in small States such as Cyprus or Malta, the largest power generator held 100% of the market share for electricity in 2014, according to Eurostat<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref>. This is an area of concern for the issue of energy efficiency, as it means that the production of electricity in the country is subject to limited or no investment in the free market, potentially hindering the sector’s growth.

Energy monopolies in Member States, have a lot to do with the public sector, as well. In many cases, monopoly in the energy sector exists due to the fact that the biggest electricity production company in the country is state-owned. Such is the case in France, for example, where Electricité de France (EDF) currently provides 90% of the country's net electricity<ref>http://www.economist.com/node/3485202</ref>, especially for residential consumption. The most common argument in favour of this is protection of consumers, as state-owned enterprises are less likely to hold consumers to ransom by cutting supply when the monthly fee is not payed, or raise prices unaccountably. There is also the issue of infrastructure development, an often very costly enterprise, which is not easily taken up by private firms, unless a private monopoly is guaranteed. For this reason, the state often builds energy infrastructure and subsequently also manages it.

Nevertheless, market liberalisation is, one of the key goals of the Commission when it comes to the energy market, as it would allow consumers to choose their providers freely, instead of being forced to abide by the standards of a single- or in any case, very few- companies.

== Opportunities ==
=== Better infrastructure ===
==== Energy sharing between MS ====
In order to be able to match demand to supply in power, and ensure that countries can guarantee energy supply to their citizens (even in the case of a spontaneous halt in the use of imported fossil fuels), it is tantamount for MS to co-operate with each other. Moreover, further investments in infrastructure will allow energy to flow freely and efficiently throughout the EU. Thereby, the vision of the Energy Union could be achieved and the problems regarding the existence of ‘energy islands’ throughout the Union would be addressed.

The European Council set a 10% interconnection target to be completed by 2020, which the Commission believes should be extended to 15% by 2030<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-resilient-energy-union-with-a-climate-change-policy/file-15-electricity-interconnection-target</ref> Investment in such cross-border connective infrastructure is a key step in ensuring stable energy supply and prevent wastage.

The Baltic region sets a good example of inter-connectivity initiatives, with two Estlink connections linking Estonia and Finland; the Litpol link connecting Lithuania and Poland; and Nordbalt between Sweden and Lithuania. <ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/infrastructure/baltic-energy-market-interconnection-plan</ref>. All these initiatives have raised the inter-connectivity of the Baltic countries to the EU energy sector by up to 22%. The Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) aims to integrate the energy market in the baltic region even further, by establishing a common power exchange within the Baltic region, completely removing tariffs and filling holes in the demand and supply systems of the interconnected countries. Such regional initiatives also exist in Nordic countries, whereby effective energy exchange takes place through the monitoring of possible energy deficiencies and by adjusting production in neighbouring countries to account for it. Price areas are thereby determined, in order for fairer pricing of energy to be facilitated, while legal barriers are effectively overcome<ref>http://www.nordicenergy.org/article/interconnected-nordic-power-systems/</ref>.

==== Smart Grids ====
Smart grids are the latest technology in the energy sector. The current grid system present in most MS is considered outdated, as it allows only a one-way flow of electricity from production stations and storing facilities to the consumers. As mentioned above in the uneven demand and supply challenge, conventional grids cannot respond to the unequal demand and supply of energy at different times of the day or the year. In contrast, the smart grid establishes a two-way communication line, involving the consumers, production facilities and storage facilities, in order to balance the demand and supply of energy more effectively. As part of smart grids, the energy demands of the country are measured and recorded, and energy is better distributed to consumers.

Specifically, digital meters allow consumers to have in-depth information on their energy consumption. This could help consumers, themselves, monitor their consumption and limit it where possible, to curb costs as well as harmful effects on the environment. Other gadgets available as part of Smart grids include
*Phrasor Measurement Units, which allow processors to assess grid stability, thus preventing malfunctions
*automated feeder switches, which can reroute energy traffic around any possible problems in the system
*batteries, able to store excess energy produced during hours of low demand and re-supply it to the system when demand rises.<ref>https://energy.gov/oe/services/technology-development/smart-grid</ref>

=== Increasing Energy Efficiency in Households ===
In recent years, the EU has placed increasing importance on energy efficiency in households. As part of this ambition to cut down energy consumption by households, the EU endorses and provides incentives for the creation of energy efficient household appliances, meeting minimum energy efficiency targets, for example. Ecodesign regulations require that manufacturers ensure that their products consume the lowest amount of energy possible. The regulations, set at a European level, under [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:285:0010:0035:en:PDF Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council], ensure that manufacturers of products mentioned in the Directive, such as (but not limited to): air heating and cooling tools, computers, televisions, domestic cooking appliances, abide by the energy efficiency regulations. The Commission monitors the implementation of this Directive, as well as managing any bilateral agreements with manufacturers of other types of goods.

Another way in which the EU encourages energy efficiency in Household products sold within the Union is through the introduction of harmonised energy labels. These help consumers determine which products are most energy efficient, and thus also, most cost efficient for them. The scale proposed by the Commission in 2015, goes from A to G, with the most energy-efficient products being labelled A. Indeed, since the introduction of labels in 1995, energy efficient products have attracted more and more customers, effectively urging manufacturers to create increasingly energy efficient products. The result of these labels, combined with the Energy Efficiency Directive is predicted to save around 175 million tonnes of oil, as well as 465 euros per year in each household's energy costs.

== Policy already in place/being discussed ==
=== [[2030 Framework for Climate and Energy]] ===
=== [[European Energy Security Strategy]] ===
=== [[Energy Union]] ===
=== [[Energy Efficiency Directive]] ===
== Sum up ==
To sum up, the energy market in the European Union is a booming sector, which however, is undergoing major changes in recent years and still has a long way to go until it is sufficiently efficient. Corporate interests, although respected, may need to be compromised, in order to achieve market liberalisation (the lack of which is currently holding back the market), while consumers and smaller businesses may also need to change their habits. Indeed, with the EU so majorly emphasising the importance of a well-integrated Energy Union, pushing for a shift to renewable energy sources and calling for energy conservation at every level, it is time to look into the concrete measures that are required in order to reach the ambitious goals set forth in the 2030 Agenda, achieve de-carbonisation by 2050, but most importantly: ensure that energy production in the Union is as effective and as efficient as possible.

== Further Research==
[https://www.smartgrid.gov/video/smart_grid.mp4 A quick and useful video guide to power grids]
[http://defiris.ec.streamcloud.be/findmedia/05/067945/LR_I067945EN1W.mp4?latest=0000334224 Fun video explaining energy efficient products/appliances in the EU][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByCOTG2-mhg Another creative video showing how other methods can be utilised in households to increase energy efficiency]

== References ==

[[Category:Technological Dimension]]
[[Category:Economic Dimension]]
[[Category:Environmental Dimension]]
[[Category:ITRE]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

Category:Heidelberg:ITRE II

2017-07-04T21:01:13Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|Timing matters: what measures should the EU take in order to increase energy efficiency from production to consumption and across sectors?}}

{{cquote|''' 'Timing matters''': What measures should the EU take in order to increase energy efficiency from production to consumption and across sectors?}}

Optimising energy efficiency is one of the top priorities of the EU’s Energy policy. The Union is currently facing issues with energy wastage, dependency on foreign imports and has set goals for lowering energy consumption of the 2007 levels by 20% in 2020. Increasing energy efficiency from the very first step of production down to the commercial consumer is a matter which can yield multi-faceted benefits: it can reduce the amount of environmental degradation which results from energy production, decrease electricity costs and energy dependency from countries outside the Union, as well as make the EU energy market more competitive. Thus, with the development of new, environmentally friendly technologies, key steps leading to the ideal Energy Union - from production to consumption - are required. The benefits of this change are multiple: energy security for all citizens - even in the case of emergency -, financial savings, as well as less environmental degradation

==Relevance==
Energy efficiency is one of the EU's primary goals , seeing as it can benefit the economy, the environment and consumers, alike. The inefficient production and consumption of energy is propagating, and worsening the effects of, global warming, polluting the air and lowering the quality of life in cities. In light of [[Article 194 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union]], the EU continuously aims to provide:
* ''‘security of energy supply in the Union’,
* ''‘promote energy efficiency and the development of new and renewable forms of energy’''
* ''‘promote the interconnection of energy networks’''<ref>http://www.lisbon-treaty.org/wcm/the-lisbon-treaty/treaty-on-the-functioning-of-the-european-union-and-comments/part-3-union-policies-and-internal-actions/title-xxi-energy/485-article-194.html</ref>.
With environmental protection and energy policy being such a fundamental goal of the Union, the efficiency of the energy sector, in production, transportation and consumption, should be ensured.

===Energy consumption: facts and stats===
[[File:Eurostat energy consumption.png|thumb|right|Table 1: Gross inland consumption of energy, 1990–2014 (million tonnes of oil equivalent) Source: Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=nrg_100a&lang=en]]
With energy production moving towards more sustainable sources, consumption in EU households seems to also be decreasing, albeit rather slowly. This reduction in consumption by households is rather significant, since it accounts for as much as 24.8% of the Union's total. Energy consumption in households in the EU, thus fell by 1.3%, as explained by Eurostat<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Consumption_of_energy</ref>. However, this decrease is not equally distributed among MS, with a majority actually experiencing an increase in their electricity consumption (although mostly by less than 10%). Energy conservation efforts , including the installation of conservation equipment, may play a part in this overall decrease; although it is speculated that it is mostly linked to demographic changes. It is, however, tantamount to ensure that energy consumption is further reduced in households, where possible, utilising environmentally friendly technologies.

=== Energy production: facts and stats ===
Energy in the EU is produced through a multitude of sources, chiefly combustible fuels and [[Nuclear power plant|nuclear power plants]], making up for 47,6% and 27,4% of energy production in the Union, in 2014, respectively<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref> . Recently, however, the importance of renewable energy sources has increased, as highlighted by Eurostat reporting a massive increase of solar and wind power production from 0.02% in 2004 to 3.2%<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref> of the net electricity production of the EU by 2014. Surprisingly, renewable energy sources were the only resource that experienced such a uniform growth, from 2004 to 2014. There is a long way to go until our energy production becomes more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and efficiently utilises our natural resources.

What is perhaps alarming, is that primary production in the EU has experienced a slump in the years from 2010 to 2014, which does not correspond to a similar drop in demand, with energy production being 17.3 % lower in 2014, than it was in 2004 .

== Main issues, opportunities and challenges: ==
=== Challenges ===
==== Dependency on foreign imports ====
[[File:Foreign dependency.png|thumb|left|Table 2: Energy dependency rate — all products, 2014 (% of net imports in gross inland consumption and bunkers, based on tonnes of oil equivalent) Source: Eurostat http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tsdcc310&plugin=1]]

One of the greatest challenges the EU faces in terms of its energy sector, is how greatly dependent it is on foreign imports. Eurostat records that since 2004, energy imports have been higher than the primary production of energy in the EU, meaning that the Union is overwhelmingly dependent on foreign countries to secure its energy sector. More specifically, foreign imports increased from less than 40% of gross energy consumption in the 1980s to 53.5% in 2014. The highest energy dependency recorded was for crude oil, at 88.2% and natural gas, at 67.4%<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Energy_production_and_imports</ref>.

Energy dependency is also varied across MS, from Estonia, Denmark, Romania and Poland depending on foreign imports for less than 30% of their gross domestic energy consumption, to Luxembourg, Malta and Cyprus, recording an over 90% dependency on foreign imports. The reasons for this disparity, are the very differing natural resources in different MS, as well as the lack of development and competitiveness of the energy sector of many of these MS. Another fact which displays the Union's overwhelming energy dependency is that there is no MS in the EU which actively engages in energy exports. Denmark used to be the only exporter, until 2013, when the country also began importing energy. This creates a great problem for the Union, which seems to have no surplus energy and often cannot hold its own when it comes to satisfying energy demand with its own primary production.

==== Uneven supply and demand ====
A drawback of renewable energy sources is the uneven supply and demand of electricity. The demand for electricity fluctuates throughout the day<ref>https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=830</ref>, as well as throughout the year, and with renewable sources being used, so does supply. Solar panels, for example produce energy only during the day, and in much greater volume during the warmer months. Thus, it is important to balance the grid and match supply to demand, meaning that either renewable power stations must limit their production during times of low demand, or that energy is not consumed and eventually wasted.
Uneven supply and demand can also affect the EU regionally, as the energy needs of each country may vary greatly, due to such things as: time differences and seasonal requirements (air-conditioning/heating)<ref>https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=4190</ref>.
The problem is intensified, as the analog grids, currently used in most EU Member States, do not involve any storage facilities and, for the most part, do not account for energy wastage, as a direct result of uneven demand and supply of energy.

==== Environmental concerns ====
[[File:Greenhouse gas emissions.png|thumb|Table 3: Total greenhouse gas emissions (including international aviation and indirect CO2, excluding LULUCF), by country, 1990–2014 (million tonnes of CO2-equivalents) Source: Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=env_air_gge&lang=en]]
A stark drawback of conventional energy production is environmental degradation. Only less than one-fifth of the overall energy production of the Union is derived from renewable energy sources, meaning that for the rest, the EU is utilising fossil fuels or nuclear energy, leading to destructive consequences on the environment.

In 2014, Eurostat reported that the EU, as a whole emitted 4 419.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere , as a result of energy production from non-renewable sources. Despite this figure being 22.9% lower than the amount released in 1990<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Greenhouse_gas_emission_statistics</ref> environmental damage caused by the release of such a large amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, lead to the depletion of the ozone layer, and consequently, global warming.

Another way in which energy production can harm the environment is through the improper disposal of radioactive waste: a by-product of nuclear energy production. However, nuclear energy does not only pose a threat to the environment due to its by-products, their possible mis-handling, and the amount of time they require to decompose but also due to the high risk it bears, should a reactor be left unattended. For this reason, Germany has sworn off using nuclear energy, whilst two reactors in Belgium have been shut down, after the discovery of cracks.<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/atyourservice/en/displayFtu.html?ftuId=FTU_5.7.5.html</ref>

==== Monopolies and weak energy market ====
Another major issue faced by the Union, in terms of energy production is the lack of market liberalisation in the electricity production sector in many Member States. For example, in small States such as Cyprus or Malta, the largest power generator held 100% of the market share for electricity in 2014, according to Eurostat<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref>. This is an area of concern for the issue of energy efficiency, as it means that the production of electricity in the country is subject to limited or no investment in the free market, potentially hindering the sector’s growth.

Energy monopolies in Member States, have a lot to do with the public sector, as well. In many cases, monopoly in the energy sector exists due to the fact that the biggest electricity production company in the country is state-owned. Such is the case in France, for example, where Electricité de France (EDF) currently provides 90% of the country's net electricity<ref>http://www.economist.com/node/3485202</ref>, especially for residential consumption. The most common argument in favour of this is protection of consumers, as state-owned enterprises are less likely to hold consumers to ransom by cutting supply when the monthly fee is not payed, or raise prices unaccountably. There is also the issue of infrastructure development, an often very costly enterprise, which is not easily taken up by private firms, unless a private monopoly is guaranteed. For this reason, the state often builds energy infrastructure and subsequently also manages it.

Nevertheless, market liberalisation is, one of the key goals of the Commission when it comes to the energy market, as it would allow consumers to choose their providers freely, instead of being forced to abide by the standards of a single- or in any case, very few- companies.

== Opportunities ==
=== Better infrastructure ===
==== Energy sharing between MS ====
In order to be able to match demand to supply in power, and ensure that countries can guarantee energy supply to their citizens (even in the case of a spontaneous halt in the use of imported fossil fuels), it is tantamount for MS to co-operate with each other. Moreover, further investments in infrastructure will allow energy to flow freely and efficiently throughout the EU. Thereby, the vision of the Energy Union could be achieved and the problems regarding the existence of ‘energy islands’ throughout the Union would be addressed.

The European Council set a 10% interconnection target to be completed by 2020, which the Commission believes should be extended to 15% by 2030<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-resilient-energy-union-with-a-climate-change-policy/file-15-electricity-interconnection-target</ref> Investment in such cross-border connective infrastructure is a key step in ensuring stable energy supply and prevent wastage.

The Baltic region sets a good example of inter-connectivity initiatives, with two Estlink connections linking Estonia and Finland; the Litpol link connecting Lithuania and Poland; and Nordbalt between Sweden and Lithuania. <ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/infrastructure/baltic-energy-market-interconnection-plan</ref>. All these initiatives have raised the inter-connectivity of the Baltic countries to the EU energy sector by up to 22%. The Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) aims to integrate the energy market in the baltic region even further, by establishing a common power exchange within the Baltic region, completely removing tariffs and filling holes in the demand and supply systems of the interconnected countries. Such regional initiatives also exist in Nordic countries, whereby effective energy exchange takes place through the monitoring of possible energy deficiencies and by adjusting production in neighbouring countries to account for it. Price areas are thereby determined, in order for fairer pricing of energy to be facilitated, while legal barriers are effectively overcome<ref>http://www.nordicenergy.org/article/interconnected-nordic-power-systems/</ref>.

==== Smart Grids ====
Smart grids are the latest technology in the energy sector. The current grid system present in most MS is considered outdated, as it allows only a one-way flow of electricity from production stations and storing facilities to the consumers. As mentioned above in the uneven demand and supply challenge, conventional grids cannot respond to the unequal demand and supply of energy at different times of the day or the year. In contrast, the smart grid establishes a two-way communication line, involving the consumers, production facilities and storage facilities, in order to balance the demand and supply of energy more effectively. As part of smart grids, the energy demands of the country are measured and recorded, and energy is better distributed to consumers.

Specifically, digital meters allow consumers to have in-depth information on their energy consumption. This could help consumers, themselves, monitor their consumption and limit it where possible, to curb costs as well as harmful effects on the environment. Other gadgets available as part of Smart grids include
*Phrasor Measurement Units, which allow processors to assess grid stability, thus preventing malfunctions
*automated feeder switches, which can reroute energy traffic around any possible problems in the system
*batteries, able to store excess energy produced during hours of low demand and re-supply it to the system when demand rises.<ref>https://energy.gov/oe/services/technology-development/smart-grid</ref>

=== Increasing Energy Efficiency in Households ===
In recent years, the EU has placed increasing importance on energy efficiency in households. As part of this ambition to cut down energy consumption by households, the EU endorses and provides incentives for the creation of energy efficient household appliances, meeting minimum energy efficiency targets, for example. Ecodesign regulations require that manufacturers ensure that their products consume the lowest amount of energy possible. The regulations, set at a European level, under [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:285:0010:0035:en:PDF Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council], ensure that manufacturers of products mentioned in the Directive, such as (but not limited to): air heating and cooling tools, computers, televisions, domestic cooking appliances, abide by the energy efficiency regulations. The Commission monitors the implementation of this Directive, as well as managing any bilateral agreements with manufacturers of other types of goods.

Another way in which the EU encourages energy efficiency in Household products sold within the Union is through the introduction of harmonised energy labels. These help consumers determine which products are most energy efficient, and thus also, most cost efficient for them. The scale proposed by the Commission in 2015, goes from A to G, with the most energy-efficient products being labelled A. Indeed, since the introduction of labels in 1995, energy efficient products have attracted more and more customers, effectively urging manufacturers to create increasingly energy efficient products. The result of these labels, combined with the Energy Efficiency Directive is predicted to save around 175 million tonnes of oil, as well as 465 euros per year in each household's energy costs.

== Policy already in place/being discussed ==
=== [[2030 Framework for Climate and Energy]] ===
=== [[European Energy Security Strategy]] ===
=== [[Energy Union]] ===
=== [[Energy Efficiency Directive]] ===
== Sum up ==
To sum up, the energy market in the European Union is a booming sector, which however, is undergoing major changes in recent years and still has a long way to go until it is sufficiently efficient. Corporate interests, although respected, may need to be compromised, in order to achieve market liberalisation (the lack of which is currently holding back the market), while consumers and smaller businesses may also need to change their habits. Indeed, with the EU so majorly emphasising the importance of a well-integrated Energy Union, pushing for a shift to renewable energy sources and calling for energy conservation at every level, it is time to look into the concrete measures that are required in order to reach the ambitious goals set forth in the 2030 Agenda, achieve de-carbonisation by 2050, but most importantly: ensure that energy production in the Union is as effective and as efficient as possible.

== Further Research==
[https://www.smartgrid.gov/video/smart_grid.mp4 A quick and useful video guide to power grids]
[http://defiris.ec.streamcloud.be/findmedia/05/067945/LR_I067945EN1W.mp4?latest=0000334224 Fun video explaining energy efficient products/appliances in the EU][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByCOTG2-mhg Another creative video showing how other methods can be utilised in households to increase energy efficiency]

== References ==

[[Category:Technological Dimension]]
[[Category:Economic Dimension]]
[[Category:Environmental Dimension]]
[[Category:ITRE]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

ITRE II

2017-07-04T21:01:08Z

Kerstin: Redirected page to Category:Heidelberg:ITRE II

#REDIRECT [[Category:Heidelberg:ITRE II]]

ITRE II

2017-07-04T21:00:16Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|''' 'Timing matters''': What measures should the EU take in order to increase energy efficiency from production to consumption and across sectors?}}

Optimising energy efficiency is one of the top priorities of the EU’s Energy policy. The Union is currently facing issues with energy wastage, dependency on foreign imports and has set goals for lowering energy consumption of the 2007 levels by 20% in 2020. Increasing energy efficiency from the very first step of production down to the commercial consumer is a matter which can yield multi-faceted benefits: it can reduce the amount of environmental degradation which results from energy production, decrease electricity costs and energy dependency from countries outside the Union, as well as make the EU energy market more competitive. Thus, with the development of new, environmentally friendly technologies, key steps leading to the ideal Energy Union - from production to consumption - are required. The benefits of this change are multiple: energy security for all citizens - even in the case of emergency -, financial savings, as well as less environmental degradation

==Relevance==
Energy efficiency is one of the EU's primary goals , seeing as it can benefit the economy, the environment and consumers, alike. The inefficient production and consumption of energy is propagating, and worsening the effects of, global warming, polluting the air and lowering the quality of life in cities. In light of [[Article 194 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union]], the EU continuously aims to provide:
* ''‘security of energy supply in the Union’,
* ''‘promote energy efficiency and the development of new and renewable forms of energy’''
* ''‘promote the interconnection of energy networks’''<ref>http://www.lisbon-treaty.org/wcm/the-lisbon-treaty/treaty-on-the-functioning-of-the-european-union-and-comments/part-3-union-policies-and-internal-actions/title-xxi-energy/485-article-194.html</ref>.
With environmental protection and energy policy being such a fundamental goal of the Union, the efficiency of the energy sector, in production, transportation and consumption, should be ensured.

===Energy consumption: facts and stats===
[[File:Eurostat energy consumption.png|thumb|right|Table 1: Gross inland consumption of energy, 1990–2014 (million tonnes of oil equivalent) Source: Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=nrg_100a&lang=en]]
With energy production moving towards more sustainable sources, consumption in EU households seems to also be decreasing, albeit rather slowly. This reduction in consumption by households is rather significant, since it accounts for as much as 24.8% of the Union's total. Energy consumption in households in the EU, thus fell by 1.3%, as explained by Eurostat<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Consumption_of_energy</ref>. However, this decrease is not equally distributed among MS, with a majority actually experiencing an increase in their electricity consumption (although mostly by less than 10%). Energy conservation efforts , including the installation of conservation equipment, may play a part in this overall decrease; although it is speculated that it is mostly linked to demographic changes. It is, however, tantamount to ensure that energy consumption is further reduced in households, where possible, utilising environmentally friendly technologies.

=== Energy production: facts and stats ===
Energy in the EU is produced through a multitude of sources, chiefly combustible fuels and [[Nuclear power plant|nuclear power plants]], making up for 47,6% and 27,4% of energy production in the Union, in 2014, respectively<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref> . Recently, however, the importance of renewable energy sources has increased, as highlighted by Eurostat reporting a massive increase of solar and wind power production from 0.02% in 2004 to 3.2%<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref> of the net electricity production of the EU by 2014. Surprisingly, renewable energy sources were the only resource that experienced such a uniform growth, from 2004 to 2014. There is a long way to go until our energy production becomes more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and efficiently utilises our natural resources.

What is perhaps alarming, is that primary production in the EU has experienced a slump in the years from 2010 to 2014, which does not correspond to a similar drop in demand, with energy production being 17.3 % lower in 2014, than it was in 2004 .

== Main issues, opportunities and challenges: ==
=== Challenges ===
==== Dependency on foreign imports ====
[[File:Foreign dependency.png|thumb|left|Table 2: Energy dependency rate — all products, 2014 (% of net imports in gross inland consumption and bunkers, based on tonnes of oil equivalent) Source: Eurostat http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tsdcc310&plugin=1]]

One of the greatest challenges the EU faces in terms of its energy sector, is how greatly dependent it is on foreign imports. Eurostat records that since 2004, energy imports have been higher than the primary production of energy in the EU, meaning that the Union is overwhelmingly dependent on foreign countries to secure its energy sector. More specifically, foreign imports increased from less than 40% of gross energy consumption in the 1980s to 53.5% in 2014. The highest energy dependency recorded was for crude oil, at 88.2% and natural gas, at 67.4%<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Energy_production_and_imports</ref>.

Energy dependency is also varied across MS, from Estonia, Denmark, Romania and Poland depending on foreign imports for less than 30% of their gross domestic energy consumption, to Luxembourg, Malta and Cyprus, recording an over 90% dependency on foreign imports. The reasons for this disparity, are the very differing natural resources in different MS, as well as the lack of development and competitiveness of the energy sector of many of these MS. Another fact which displays the Union's overwhelming energy dependency is that there is no MS in the EU which actively engages in energy exports. Denmark used to be the only exporter, until 2013, when the country also began importing energy. This creates a great problem for the Union, which seems to have no surplus energy and often cannot hold its own when it comes to satisfying energy demand with its own primary production.

==== Uneven supply and demand ====
A drawback of renewable energy sources is the uneven supply and demand of electricity. The demand for electricity fluctuates throughout the day<ref>https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=830</ref>, as well as throughout the year, and with renewable sources being used, so does supply. Solar panels, for example produce energy only during the day, and in much greater volume during the warmer months. Thus, it is important to balance the grid and match supply to demand, meaning that either renewable power stations must limit their production during times of low demand, or that energy is not consumed and eventually wasted.
Uneven supply and demand can also affect the EU regionally, as the energy needs of each country may vary greatly, due to such things as: time differences and seasonal requirements (air-conditioning/heating)<ref>https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=4190</ref>.
The problem is intensified, as the analog grids, currently used in most EU Member States, do not involve any storage facilities and, for the most part, do not account for energy wastage, as a direct result of uneven demand and supply of energy.

==== Environmental concerns ====
[[File:Greenhouse gas emissions.png|thumb|Table 3: Total greenhouse gas emissions (including international aviation and indirect CO2, excluding LULUCF), by country, 1990–2014 (million tonnes of CO2-equivalents) Source: Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=env_air_gge&lang=en]]
A stark drawback of conventional energy production is environmental degradation. Only less than one-fifth of the overall energy production of the Union is derived from renewable energy sources, meaning that for the rest, the EU is utilising fossil fuels or nuclear energy, leading to destructive consequences on the environment.

In 2014, Eurostat reported that the EU, as a whole emitted 4 419.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere , as a result of energy production from non-renewable sources. Despite this figure being 22.9% lower than the amount released in 1990<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Greenhouse_gas_emission_statistics</ref> environmental damage caused by the release of such a large amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, lead to the depletion of the ozone layer, and consequently, global warming.

Another way in which energy production can harm the environment is through the improper disposal of radioactive waste: a by-product of nuclear energy production. However, nuclear energy does not only pose a threat to the environment due to its by-products, their possible mis-handling, and the amount of time they require to decompose but also due to the high risk it bears, should a reactor be left unattended. For this reason, Germany has sworn off using nuclear energy, whilst two reactors in Belgium have been shut down, after the discovery of cracks.<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/atyourservice/en/displayFtu.html?ftuId=FTU_5.7.5.html</ref>

==== Monopolies and weak energy market ====
Another major issue faced by the Union, in terms of energy production is the lack of market liberalisation in the electricity production sector in many Member States. For example, in small States such as Cyprus or Malta, the largest power generator held 100% of the market share for electricity in 2014, according to Eurostat<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_production,_consumption_and_market_overview</ref>. This is an area of concern for the issue of energy efficiency, as it means that the production of electricity in the country is subject to limited or no investment in the free market, potentially hindering the sector’s growth.

Energy monopolies in Member States, have a lot to do with the public sector, as well. In many cases, monopoly in the energy sector exists due to the fact that the biggest electricity production company in the country is state-owned. Such is the case in France, for example, where Electricité de France (EDF) currently provides 90% of the country's net electricity<ref>http://www.economist.com/node/3485202</ref>, especially for residential consumption. The most common argument in favour of this is protection of consumers, as state-owned enterprises are less likely to hold consumers to ransom by cutting supply when the monthly fee is not payed, or raise prices unaccountably. There is also the issue of infrastructure development, an often very costly enterprise, which is not easily taken up by private firms, unless a private monopoly is guaranteed. For this reason, the state often builds energy infrastructure and subsequently also manages it.

Nevertheless, market liberalisation is, one of the key goals of the Commission when it comes to the energy market, as it would allow consumers to choose their providers freely, instead of being forced to abide by the standards of a single- or in any case, very few- companies.

== Opportunities ==
=== Better infrastructure ===
==== Energy sharing between MS ====
In order to be able to match demand to supply in power, and ensure that countries can guarantee energy supply to their citizens (even in the case of a spontaneous halt in the use of imported fossil fuels), it is tantamount for MS to co-operate with each other. Moreover, further investments in infrastructure will allow energy to flow freely and efficiently throughout the EU. Thereby, the vision of the Energy Union could be achieved and the problems regarding the existence of ‘energy islands’ throughout the Union would be addressed.

The European Council set a 10% interconnection target to be completed by 2020, which the Commission believes should be extended to 15% by 2030<ref>http://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-resilient-energy-union-with-a-climate-change-policy/file-15-electricity-interconnection-target</ref> Investment in such cross-border connective infrastructure is a key step in ensuring stable energy supply and prevent wastage.

The Baltic region sets a good example of inter-connectivity initiatives, with two Estlink connections linking Estonia and Finland; the Litpol link connecting Lithuania and Poland; and Nordbalt between Sweden and Lithuania. <ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/infrastructure/baltic-energy-market-interconnection-plan</ref>. All these initiatives have raised the inter-connectivity of the Baltic countries to the EU energy sector by up to 22%. The Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) aims to integrate the energy market in the baltic region even further, by establishing a common power exchange within the Baltic region, completely removing tariffs and filling holes in the demand and supply systems of the interconnected countries. Such regional initiatives also exist in Nordic countries, whereby effective energy exchange takes place through the monitoring of possible energy deficiencies and by adjusting production in neighbouring countries to account for it. Price areas are thereby determined, in order for fairer pricing of energy to be facilitated, while legal barriers are effectively overcome<ref>http://www.nordicenergy.org/article/interconnected-nordic-power-systems/</ref>.

==== Smart Grids ====
Smart grids are the latest technology in the energy sector. The current grid system present in most MS is considered outdated, as it allows only a one-way flow of electricity from production stations and storing facilities to the consumers. As mentioned above in the uneven demand and supply challenge, conventional grids cannot respond to the unequal demand and supply of energy at different times of the day or the year. In contrast, the smart grid establishes a two-way communication line, involving the consumers, production facilities and storage facilities, in order to balance the demand and supply of energy more effectively. As part of smart grids, the energy demands of the country are measured and recorded, and energy is better distributed to consumers.

Specifically, digital meters allow consumers to have in-depth information on their energy consumption. This could help consumers, themselves, monitor their consumption and limit it where possible, to curb costs as well as harmful effects on the environment. Other gadgets available as part of Smart grids include
*Phrasor Measurement Units, which allow processors to assess grid stability, thus preventing malfunctions
*automated feeder switches, which can reroute energy traffic around any possible problems in the system
*batteries, able to store excess energy produced during hours of low demand and re-supply it to the system when demand rises.<ref>https://energy.gov/oe/services/technology-development/smart-grid</ref>

=== Increasing Energy Efficiency in Households ===
In recent years, the EU has placed increasing importance on energy efficiency in households. As part of this ambition to cut down energy consumption by households, the EU endorses and provides incentives for the creation of energy efficient household appliances, meeting minimum energy efficiency targets, for example. Ecodesign regulations require that manufacturers ensure that their products consume the lowest amount of energy possible. The regulations, set at a European level, under [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:285:0010:0035:en:PDF Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council], ensure that manufacturers of products mentioned in the Directive, such as (but not limited to): air heating and cooling tools, computers, televisions, domestic cooking appliances, abide by the energy efficiency regulations. The Commission monitors the implementation of this Directive, as well as managing any bilateral agreements with manufacturers of other types of goods.

Another way in which the EU encourages energy efficiency in Household products sold within the Union is through the introduction of harmonised energy labels. These help consumers determine which products are most energy efficient, and thus also, most cost efficient for them. The scale proposed by the Commission in 2015, goes from A to G, with the most energy-efficient products being labelled A. Indeed, since the introduction of labels in 1995, energy efficient products have attracted more and more customers, effectively urging manufacturers to create increasingly energy efficient products. The result of these labels, combined with the Energy Efficiency Directive is predicted to save around 175 million tonnes of oil, as well as 465 euros per year in each household's energy costs.

== Policy already in place/being discussed ==
=== [[2030 Framework for Climate and Energy]] ===
=== [[European Energy Security Strategy]] ===
=== [[Energy Union]] ===
=== [[Energy Efficiency Directive]] ===
== Sum up ==
To sum up, the energy market in the European Union is a booming sector, which however, is undergoing major changes in recent years and still has a long way to go until it is sufficiently efficient. Corporate interests, although respected, may need to be compromised, in order to achieve market liberalisation (the lack of which is currently holding back the market), while consumers and smaller businesses may also need to change their habits. Indeed, with the EU so majorly emphasising the importance of a well-integrated Energy Union, pushing for a shift to renewable energy sources and calling for energy conservation at every level, it is time to look into the concrete measures that are required in order to reach the ambitious goals set forth in the 2030 Agenda, achieve de-carbonisation by 2050, but most importantly: ensure that energy production in the Union is as effective and as efficient as possible.

== Further Research==
[https://www.smartgrid.gov/video/smart_grid.mp4 A quick and useful video guide to power grids]
[http://defiris.ec.streamcloud.be/findmedia/05/067945/LR_I067945EN1W.mp4?latest=0000334224 Fun video explaining energy efficient products/appliances in the EU][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByCOTG2-mhg Another creative video showing how other methods can be utilised in households to increase energy efficiency]

== References ==

[[Category:Technological Dimension]]
[[Category:Economic Dimension]]
[[Category:Environmental Dimension]]
[[Category:ITRE]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I

2017-07-04T20:52:16Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|Renewables becoming mainstream: What effective and economically efficient policies should the EU and its Member States prioritise in order to accelerate the integration of renewable electricity, heating and transport?}}

[[Category:ITRE]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2017-05-31 at 21.47.32.png]]
The climate of the planet we call home is changing. The climate has been changing ever since the earth formed <ref>http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24021772</ref>. However, this period of climate change is different. Due to the fact that humans have been burning fossil fuels at a rapid rate, the levels of, amongst other pollutants, CO2 has increased drastically since the industrial revolution <ref>http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/science/human-contribution-to-gw-faq.html#.WT6dbROGORt</ref>. Integration of renewable energy into the European energy grid is essential in the transition from energy generation using fossil fuels towards renewables. Several facts play a role in the stalling implementation of renewable energy sources, ranging from economic, social and technical objections and challenges.

Stopping the detrimental effects of human-caused climate change is essential for the very existence of humankind and the planet as a whole <ref>https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/effects-climate-change</ref>. The inhabitants of low-lying countries (e.g. Bangladesh, Vietnam and The Netherlands) have to live with the ever increasing danger of the rising seas. But not only low-lying countries face the imminent threat of climate change <ref>https://weather.com/science/environment/news/20-countries-most-risk-sea-level-rise-20140924</ref>. Climate change results in droughts, extreme weather and lower crop yields, all due to the ever-increasing burning of fossil fuels and emission of pollutants by humans <ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/climate_change/describing_climatic_trends_rev3.shtml</ref>. It is essential to maintain the liveability of our planet, for humans and the many vulnerable species of animals and plants that provide the basis of ecosystems and our agriculture <ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/19/critical-10-species-at-risk-climate-change-endangered-world</ref> <ref>http://bioenv.gu.se/digitalAssets/1432/1432197_fantahun.pdf</ref>. The consistent increase of greenhouse gas emission <ref>https://climate.nasa.gov/climate_resources/24/</ref> can only be stopped by human intervention, utilising legislation and international treaties in order to reach various goals concerning global warming. The very livelihood of all that inhabits our planet is at stake, making this issue very impending and pressing to solve on an international basis.

[[File:Screen Shot 2017-06-15 at 13.27.59.png]]

== Key conflicts ==
There are many viable ways to combat climate change, many of which are centralised in the ways we use our energy. Nowadays most of our energy is obtained from oil and other fossil fuels <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_energy_consumption</ref>. Despite the threat that climate change and its detrimental effects pose to us, many conflicts have sprung up that make the energy transition from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources more difficult.

=== Sustainability vs. competitiveness ===
Fossil fuels have been the main suppliers of our energy since the dawn of the industrial revolution. The initial costs of investing in renewable energy sources over the already existing fossil fuel facilities are very high. A high investment is necessary in order to see profits from renewable energy. This makes renewables less attractive for investors, as corporations generally attempt to make as much profit as possible. Another facet to this issue is the immaturity of renewable energy technology. Fossil fuels have been a major part of the energy provision and renewable energy is relatively still in its infancy <ref>http://greenecon.net/understanding-the-cost-of-solar-energy/energy_economics.html</ref>.

=== Political barriers ===
Climate change denialism is another major issue preventing the integration of renewable energy into the supply of heat, transport and household and industrial use. A lack of political incentive to take action for the integration of renewable energy is detrimental to the goal of reaching the [[Paris Agreement]] and the [[2020 climate and energy package]]. A few examples of politicians and political parties denying climate change:
* Václav Klaus, former president of the Czech Republic <ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/mar/09/climate-change-deniers</ref>
* Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Freedom Party (PVV) <ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/how-green-is-holland-from-carbon-emissions-to-climate-change-10511649.html</ref>
*Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) <ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dup-climate-change-denial-hung-parliament-election-results-trump-a7781681.html</ref>

Both national and European legislation is necessary in order to provide a fertile investment climate for corporations to invest not just in affairs that are profitable, but are also sustainable in the long term. Heavily intertwined with climate denialism in politics is the fossil fuel lobby. For instance, Royal Dutch Shell is the sixth biggest lobbyist in Brussels, writes the Guardian (2015) <ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/apr/27/shell-lobbied-to-undermine-eu-renewables-targets-documents-reveal</ref>.

=== Irregularity of supply ===
The weather can vary from day to day, sometimes changing from sunny to overcast within mere hours. This makes it very difficult to rely on a single renewable energy source, the supply may take a downturn whilst the demand remains high. This poses a threat to the reliability of renewable energy and its supply. A solution can be sought in having back-up systems based on fossil fuels or finding a mix of (renewable) energy sources which can make for a steady supply of energy, even on cloudy days without too much wind. However, the advancement of technology may provide us with ways to supply all of our energy using renewable energy <ref>http://www.vanadiumcorp.com/news/blog/168-flow-battery-could-smooth-irregular-wind-and-solar-energy-supply</ref> <ref>https://corporate.vattenfall.com/about-energy/renewable-energy-sources/</ref>. Advancements in technology when it comes to storage of excess energy is another opportunity in improving the reliability of renewables. Storage of excess energy, particularly during periods of grid overload, can make the energy system more efficient.

=== Social objections ===
==== NIMBY ====
{{cquote|Connotes the unwillingness of individuals to accept the construction of large-scale projects by corporations or governmental entities nearby, which might affect their quality of life and the value of their property.}} <ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Not-in-My-Backyard-Phenomenon</ref>

==== Environmental impact ====
Renewable energy sources still have some environmental impact, centered around the materials and production processes that are involved in the manufacturing of said renewables. Of course, renewable energy sources emit far less pollutants in the long term, but the initial investment and carbon footprint of renewable energy sources remains a burden on the efficiency of clean power sources.
Renewable energy sources, most of all dams and windmills can be harmful for the wellbeing of fish and birds, respectively. This is an inherent risk linked to infrastructure of this sort.

==== Disruption of lives ====
The New York Times (2011) <ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/20/world/asia/20gorges.html</ref> writes that 1,4 million individuals had to move due to the three gorges dam being built, which resulted in the rising of water. This is an example of social friction that occurs when the decision is made to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Disruption of lives is almost inevitable when transitioning, might it be due to noise, landscape pollution or more serious and pressing issues springing from the societal disruption caused by renewable energy infrastructure.

== References ==

Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I

2017-07-04T20:51:47Z

Kerstin:

Renewables becoming mainstream

2017-07-04T20:47:30Z

Kerstin: Redirected page to Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I

#REDIRECT [[Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I]]

Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I

2017-07-04T20:46:14Z

Kerstin:

Renewable Energy Directive

2017-07-04T20:45:36Z

Kerstin:

Adopted in 2009, the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) establishes an overall policy for the production and promotion of energy from renewable sources in the EU. It requires the EU to fulfil at least 20% of its total energy needs with renewables by 2020 – to be achieved through the attainment of individual national targets. All EU countries must also ensure that at least 10% of their transport fuels come from renewable sources by 2020 <ref>https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-directive</ref>

In 2016, the European Commission has put forward a proposal for a reviewed Renewable Energy Directive for the timeframe 2020-2030. <ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52016PC0767R%2801%29</ref>

[[Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I]]

Paris Agreement

2017-07-04T20:45:19Z

Kerstin:

The '''Paris climate agreement''' entered into force on 4 November 2016, commits countries to limit global warming to '''“well below” 2ºC''' and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5ºC”. Additionally, the agreement aims to increase the ability of countries to '''deal with the impacts of climate change''', and at making finance flows consistent with a low GHG emissions and climate-resilient pathway.

It is based upon the principles of '''Clarity and Transparency''' - there will be a global stocktake every 5 years to assess the collective progress towards achieving the purpose of the agreement and to inform further individual actions by Parties.

Developed countries should continue to take the lead by undertaking absolute economy-wide reduction targets, while developing countries should continue enhancing their mitigation efforts, and are encouraged to move toward economy-wide targets over time in the light of different national circumstances.
Parties also recognized the need to strengthen the knowledge, technologies, practices and efforts of local communities and indigenous peoples, as well as the important role of providing incentives through tools such as domestic policies and carbon pricing.

[[Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I]]

Liquified natural gas

2017-07-04T20:44:59Z

Kerstin:

'''Liquified natural gas''' ('''LNG''') is natural gas as it is commonly known, however it is cooled down so far that it reaches its liquid state. This way it is way easier to transport and store greater amounts and the price per m3 decreases. Due to the high production prices it hasn't been that popular in the past, however in the last years the importance has been rising due to decreasing costs.

[[Category:Warsaw:ITRE II]]
[[Category:Economic Dimension]]
[[Category:Technological Dimension]]
[[Category:Foreign Policy & Security Dimension]]

Liquified natural gas

2017-07-04T20:43:45Z

Kerstin:

'''Liquified natural gas''' ('''LNG''') is natural gas as it is commonly known, however it is cooled down so far that it reaches its liquid state. This way it is way easier to transport and store greater amounts and the price per m3 decreases. Due to the high production prices it hasn't been that popular in the past, however in the last years the importance has been rising due to decreasing costs.

[[Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I]]
[[Category:Warsaw:ITRE II]]
[[Category:Economic Dimension]]
[[Category:Technological Dimension]]
[[Category:Foreign Policy & Security Dimension]]

2020 climate and energy package

2017-07-04T20:42:46Z

Kerstin:

The 2020 package is a set of binding legislation, enacted to ensure that EU meets its climate and energy targets for the year 2020.

The package sets out the following key aims:

* 20% cut in [[Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions|greenhouse gas emissions]] (compared to 1990 levels)
* 20% of EU energy generared from [[Renewable energy sources (RES)|renewable energy sources]]
* 20% improvement in [[Energy efficiency|energy efficiency]]
* 21% decrease in emission in sectors covered by EU's Emissions Trading System

Achieving the goals of the 2020 package would contribute to fighting climate change and increase EU's [[Security of supply|energy security]].

[[Category:Warsaw:CLIM]]
[[Category:Economic Dimension]]
[[Category:Environmental Dimension]]
[[Category:EU energy policy]]
[[Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I]]

2020 climate and energy package

2017-07-04T20:39:31Z

Kerstin:

Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I

2017-07-04T20:38:58Z

Kerstin:

Category:Heidelberg:ITRE I

2017-07-04T20:31:11Z

Kerstin:

{{cquote|Renewables becoming mainstream: What effective and economically efficient policies should the EU and its Member States prioritise in order to accelerate the integration of renewable electricity, heating and transport?}}

[[Category:ITRE I]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2017-05-31 at 21.47.32.png]]
The climate of the planet we call home is changing. The climate has been changing ever since the earth formed <ref>http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24021772</ref>. However, this period of climate change is different. Due to the fact that humans have been burning fossil fuels at a rapid rate, the levels of, amongst other pollutants, CO2 has increased drastically since the industrial revolution <ref>http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/science/human-contribution-to-gw-faq.html#.WT6dbROGORt</ref>. Integration of renewable energy into the European energy grid is essential in the transition from energy generation using fossil fuels towards renewables. Several facts play a role in the stalling implementation of renewable energy sources, ranging from economic, social and technical objections and challenges.

Stopping the detrimental effects of human-caused climate change is essential for the very existence of humankind and the planet as a whole <ref>https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/effects-climate-change</ref>. The inhabitants of low-lying countries (e.g. Bangladesh, Vietnam and The Netherlands) have to live with the ever increasing danger of the rising seas. But not only low-lying countries face the imminent threat of climate change <ref>https://weather.com/science/environment/news/20-countries-most-risk-sea-level-rise-20140924</ref>. Climate change results in droughts, extreme weather and lower crop yields, all due to the ever-increasing burning of fossil fuels and emission of pollutants by humans <ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/climate_change/describing_climatic_trends_rev3.shtml</ref>. It is essential to maintain the liveability of our planet, for humans and the many vulnerable species of animals and plants that provide the basis of ecosystems and our agriculture <ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/19/critical-10-species-at-risk-climate-change-endangered-world</ref> <ref>http://bioenv.gu.se/digitalAssets/1432/1432197_fantahun.pdf</ref>. The consistent increase of greenhouse gas emission <ref>https://climate.nasa.gov/climate_resources/24/</ref> can only be stopped by human intervention, utilising legislation and international treaties in order to reach various goals concerning global warming. The very livelihood of all that inhabits our planet is at stake, making this issue very impending and pressing to solve on an international basis.

[[File:Screen Shot 2017-06-15 at 13.27.59.png]]

== Key conflicts ==
There are many viable ways to combat climate change, many of which are centralised in the ways we use our energy. Nowadays most of our energy is obtained from oil and other fossil fuels <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_energy_consumption</ref>. Despite the threat that climate change and its detrimental effects pose to us, many conflicts have sprung up that make the energy transition from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources more difficult.

=== Sustainability vs. competitiveness ===
Fossil fuels have been the main suppliers of our energy since the dawn of the industrial revolution. The initial costs of investing in renewable energy sources over the already existing fossil fuel facilities are very high. A high investment is necessary in order to see profits from renewable energy. This makes renewables less attractive for investors, as corporations generally attempt to make as much profit as possible. Another facet to this issue is the immaturity of renewable energy technology. Fossil fuels have been a major part of the energy provision and renewable energy is relatively still in its infancy <ref>http://greenecon.net/understanding-the-cost-of-solar-energy/energy_economics.html</ref>.

=== Political barriers ===
Climate change denialism is another major issue preventing the integration of renewable energy into the supply of heat, transport and household and industrial use. A lack of political incentive to take action for the integration of renewable energy is detrimental to the goal of reaching the [[Paris Agreement]] and the [[2020 climate and energy package]]. A few examples of politicians and political parties denying climate change:
* Václav Klaus, former president of the Czech Republic <ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/mar/09/climate-change-deniers</ref>
* Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Freedom Party (PVV) <ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/how-green-is-holland-from-carbon-emissions-to-climate-change-10511649.html</ref>
*Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) <ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dup-climate-change-denial-hung-parliament-election-results-trump-a7781681.html</ref>

Both national and European legislation is necessary in order to provide a fertile investment climate for corporations to invest not just in affairs that are profitable, but are also sustainable in the long term. Heavily intertwined with climate denialism in politics is the fossil fuel lobby. For instance, Royal Dutch Shell is the sixth biggest lobbyist in Brussels, writes the Guardian (2015) <ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/apr/27/shell-lobbied-to-undermine-eu-renewables-targets-documents-reveal</ref>.

=== Irregularity of supply ===
The weather can vary from day to day, sometimes changing from sunny to overcast within mere hours. This makes it very difficult to rely on a single renewable energy source, the supply may take a downturn whilst the demand remains high. This poses a threat to the reliability of renewable energy and its supply. A solution can be sought in having back-up systems based on fossil fuels or finding a mix of (renewable) energy sources which can make for a steady supply of energy, even on cloudy days without too much wind. However, the advancement of technology may provide us with ways to supply all of our energy using renewable energy <ref>http://www.vanadiumcorp.com/news/blog/168-flow-battery-could-smooth-irregular-wind-and-solar-energy-supply</ref> <ref>https://corporate.vattenfall.com/about-energy/renewable-energy-sources/</ref>. Advancements in technology when it comes to storage of excess energy is another opportunity in improving the reliability of renewables. Storage of excess energy, particularly during periods of grid overload, can make the energy system more efficient.

=== Social objections ===
==== NIMBY ====
{{cquote|Connotes the unwillingness of individuals to accept the construction of large-scale projects by corporations or governmental entities nearby, which might affect their quality of life and the value of their property.}} <ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Not-in-My-Backyard-Phenomenon</ref>

==== Environmental impact ====
Renewable energy sources still have some environmental impact, centered around the materials and production processes that are involved in the manufacturing of said renewables. Of course, renewable energy sources emit far less pollutants in the long term, but the initial investment and carbon footprint of renewable energy sources remains a burden on the efficiency of clean power sources.
Renewable energy sources, most of all dams and windmills can be harmful for the wellbeing of fish and birds, respectively. This is an inherent risk linked to infrastructure of this sort.

==== Disruption of lives ====
The New York Times (2011) <ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/20/world/asia/20gorges.html</ref> writes that 1,4 million individuals had to move due to the three gorges dam being built, which resulted in the rising of water. This is an example of social friction that occurs when the decision is made to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Disruption of lives is almost inevitable when transitioning, might it be due to noise, landscape pollution or more serious and pressing issues springing from the societal disruption caused by renewable energy infrastructure.

== Within EU Scope ==
[[2020 climate and energy package]]

[[Paris Agreement]]

[[Renewable Energy Directive]]

2020 climate and energy package

2017-07-04T20:30:19Z

Kerstin:

Category:ITRE

2017-06-15T14:30:10Z

Kerstin:

ITRE is the abbreviation for the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.

== Lyon 2015 - Academic Power Shifts Forum ==
Participants at the youth conference in Lyon discussed the following topic in the ITRE committee:
:ITRE I
::Energy independence at the expense of the environment? Providing over 11% of the world’s electricity and about 30% in the EU, nuclear energy is still prominent in our current energy mix as it increases the nation’s energy independence and serves as a carbon-neutral energy production tool in a time of climate change. On the other hand, it poses the danger of immediate safety risks and long-term environmental impacts in case of accidents. What way should the EU choose in using nuclear energy for the European energy mix? Do alternatives, such as Thorium or fusion power plants, pave a way forward?

:ITRE II
::Energy independence at the expense of the environment? How can the EU support the development of hydraulic fracturing and minimise the method’s possible negative environmental impact in accordance with its current strategy for the European energy mix?

:ITRE III
::Smart cities and smart regions: Climate change puts different challenges on rural and urban areas not only regarding the provision of public services and a fair access to energy but also guaranteeing the safety of its inhabitants. What role in the energy mix of the future should decentralised energy production play to achieve sustainability, reliability and affordability?

== Warsaw 2016 - Power Shifts Academic Forum==
Participants at the youth conference in Warsaw discussed the following topic in the ITRE committee:
:ITRE I
::In light of on-going struggle to develop a coherent grid strategy across borders, how can the EU build up upon previous results in order to ensure the architecture standards are coherent with the developments in decentralised energy?

:ITRE II
::Securing gas supply for good: Given the insufficient resilience of most EU Member States to gas shortages, what stance should the EU agree upon to ensure both a solidary and diversified supply of gas?

== Heidelberg 2017 - Power Shifts Academic Forum==
Participants at the youth conference in Heidelberg discuss the following topic in the ITRE committees:
:ITRE I
::Renewables becoming mainstream: What effective and economically efficient policies should the EU and its Member States prioritise in order to accelerate the integration of renewable electricity, heating and transport?

:ITRE II
::Timing matters: what measures should the EU take in order to increase energy efficiency from production to consumption and across sectors?

:ITRE III
::Accelerating ICT innovation: with SMEs and startups shaping energy transition and innovation how can the EU support its economy to get to the forefront of managing a successful energy transformation?

[[Category:Topics]]

Category:Heidelberg:ITRE III

2017-06-15T14:29:37Z

Kerstin: Created page with "{{cquote|Accelerating ICT innovation: with SMEs and startups shaping energy transition and innovation how can the EU support its economy to get to the forefront of managing a..."

Category:Heidelberg:AFET

2017-06-05T09:25:46Z

Kerstin: Created page with "{{cquote|Securing gas supply for good: Given the controversy around Nord Stream 2 as well as Europe’s energy dependence on Russia, what stance should the EU take to ensure b..."

{{cquote|Securing gas supply for good: Given the controversy around Nord Stream 2 as well as Europe’s energy dependence on Russia, what stance should the EU take to ensure both a solidary and diversified supply of gas?}}

[[Category:AFET]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

Category:AFET

2017-06-05T09:24:23Z

Kerstin:

AFET is the abbreviation for the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs.

== Lyon 2015 - Academic Power Shifts Forum ==
Participants at the youth conference in Lyon discussed the following topic in the AFET committee:
: In the light of ongoing tensions with Russia due to the current conflict in Ukraine, how can the EU balance its role as an advocate of peace and stability whilst ensuring the safety of its energy supply from Russia?

== Heidelberg 2017 - Power Shifts Academic Forum ==
Participants at the youth conference in Heidelberg discuss the following topic in the AFET committee:
: Securing gas supply for good: Given the controversy around Nord Stream 2 as well as Europe’s energy dependence on Russia, what stance should the EU take to ensure both a solidary and diversified supply of gas?

[[Category:Topics]]

Category:Heidelberg:DEVE

2017-06-05T09:20:39Z

Kerstin: Created page with "{{cquote|Climate Justice: Keeping the right to development in mind, how can the EU exercise its moral authority to ensure a global commitment to tackle climate change, whilst..."

{{cquote|Climate Justice: Keeping the right to development in mind, how can the EU exercise its moral authority to ensure a global commitment to tackle climate change, whilst safeguarding the rights of those affected most by its consequences?}}

[[Category:DEVE]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

Category:DEVE

2017-06-05T09:18:17Z

Kerstin: Created page with "DEVE is the abbreviation for the European Parliament Committee on Development. == Heidelberg 2017 - Power Shifts Academic Forum == Participants at the youth conference in Hei..."

DEVE is the abbreviation for the European Parliament Committee on Development.

== Heidelberg 2017 - Power Shifts Academic Forum ==
Participants at the youth conference in Heidelberg discuss the following topic in the DEVE committee:
: Climate Justice: Keeping the right to development in mind, how can the EU exercise its moral authority to ensure a global commitment to tackle climate change, whilst safeguarding the rights of those affected most by its consequences?

[[Category:Topics]]

Category:Heidelberg:TRAN

2017-06-05T09:16:06Z

Kerstin: Created page with "{{cquote|The future of human mobility: In light of increasing travel demand across all modes of transportation, how can the EU ensure mobility is both accessible and diverse a..."