EU must recognise link between energy efficiency and competition

The European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE) has called on the European Commission to fully acknowledge the role energy efficiency can play for growth and job creation in the European Union.


The EU-ASE, a cross-sectorial alliance of businesses including Siemens, Philips, Schneider Electric and Knauf Insulation, has sent a letter to the President of the European Commission and all 27 European Commissioners ahead of tomorrow’s discussion on “global competitiveness”.

Stressing its importance, the alliance stated in its letter that energy efficiency reduces energy consumption and production costs, ensures security of energy supply, creates markets and stimulates innovation.

It also referred to recent analysis, which reports that energy efficiency can lead to reduced global expenditures on coal, oil and natural gas amounting to €525bn (£439bn) by 2020 and €1,270bn by 2030.

The letter added: “In addition, a reduction of global energy demand will have a decreasing impact on global energy prices reducing energy costs even further. Decreased fuel prices will lead to an additional decrease of the global energy bill by €900bn by 2020 and €1,050bn by 2030. Therefore, energy efficiency can reduce global fuel bills by €1,424bn per year in 2020 and by €2,323bn in 2030”.

Pointing out the EU’s predominant market share in the segment of innovative energy efficiency solutions, it claimed that an estimate for geographical segmentation is currently the EU with 27%, China with 23% and the US with 20%.

“This is the proof that innovators introducing energy savings solutions on the global market are more successful and enjoy higher sales compared to conventional innovators. This reflects an important competitive advantage,” it said.

It called for EU decision-makers to help European businesses retain their leadership role by providing the right political, regulatory and financial framework.

“The connection between energy efficiency and competitiveness of European businesses stems from several factors, including the ability of energy efficiency measures to reduce energy costs to sustain economic prosperity and job creation in the European Union. Energy efficiency is a no-regret option for Europe’s 2030 climate and energy strategy,” said EU-ASE president, Maria Frassoni.

Leigh Stringer

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe