Energy efficiency

For further information on the scoreboard methodology please see Box I.1 in the EEA Environmental indicator report 2016

Setting the scene

The 7th EAP requires that the EU meet its 2020 climate and energy targets (EU, 2013), which are targets for greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and renewable energy. This briefing addresses the issue of energy efficiency, with greenhouse gas emissions (AIRS_PO2.5, 2015)¹ and renewables (AIRS_PO2.6)² being considered in two other related briefings. Meeting the energy efficiency target requires a reduction in energy consumption. This should lead to a reduction in environmental pressures associated with the production and consumption of energy. It will also contribute to a reduction in dependence on energy imports and support the achievement of renewable energy and greenhouse gas targets. 

In 2014, the EU’s primary energy consumption was 11.8 % lower than in 2005 (see Figure 1). According to preliminary estimates from the EEA, the EU’s primary energy consumption increased slightly in 2015 (by 1 % compared with 2014), while still remaining below the indicative linear trajectory (EEA, 2016a).

In 2014, the EU has reduced its final energy consumption by 10.9 % compared with 2005, which was already below the target level set for 2020. The energy demand in 2014 was exceptionally low because of favourable climatic conditions in 2014 (warm winter), which limited the demand for energy for heating in the EU Member States. 

Between 2005 and 2014, primary energy consumption in the EU-28 decreased by 12 %, particularly as a result of the reduction in final energy consumption observed during that period. The other factors contributing to this decrease included improved efficiency in the conversion of primary sources (e.g. coal and gas) into final energy and changes in the fuel mix to produce electricity and heat (higher penetration of renewable energy).

In the same period, final energy consumption in the EU-28 decreased by 10.9 % in all sectors, with the industry and household sectors registering the largest decrease of 16.5 % and 14.8 %, respectively, followed by transport (4.5 %) and services (1.7 %). This development was influenced by energy efficiency policies, structural changes in industry, the economic downturn and the warmer winter.

Apart from the EED, other policies and measures adopted at EU level are expected to contribute towards the 20 % reduction target. These include:

• The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU, 2010a),
• Product regulations laying down minimum energy performance standards and requirements for energy labelling (the Eco-design Directive (EU, 2009) and the Labelling Directive (EU, 2010b),
• CO₂ performance standards for cars and vans,
• Increased financing through EU structural and investment funds, Horizon 2020 and dedicated facilities, such as European Local Energy Assistance (ELENA) and the European Energy Efficiency Fund,
• The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the Effort Sharing Decision for non-ETS sectors. 

Country level information

Figure 2. Primary Energy consumption in 2005 and 2015 and estimated national target for 2020 

In 2014, 25 Member States reduced or limited their increase in primary energy consumption below the linear trajectories drawn between 2005 levels and the 2020 targets. Three Member States (Estonia, Malta and Sweden) had not achieved sufficient savings in primary energy consumption. According to preliminary data, the situation improved in 2015 for Estonia and Sweden, for which primary energy consumption levels fell below their respective linear trajectories. In contrast, in Bulgaria, France and Germany, primary energy consumption in 2015 was above their respective trajectories (EEA, 2016b).

Outlook beyond 2020 

Continued improvements in energy efficiency will be needed well beyond 2020 if the 7th EAP’s 2050 vision of Europe, in which ‘low-carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use’, is to be achieved. In October 2014, the European Council endorsed an indicative energy efficiency target of a reduction of at least 27 % by 2030, in comparison with the EC’s 2007 energy baseline scenario (EC, 2014). This target should be reviewed by 2020, having in mind a 30 % target. 

About the indicator 

Improving energy efficiency means using less energy for the same output or producing more with the same energy input. The 2020 target for energy efficiency has been interpreted to mean reductions in primary and final energy consumption. The indicator tracks levels of primary and final energy consumption in million tonnes of oil equivalents. Primary energy in this context covers the consumption of the energy sector itself, losses during the transformation (for example, from oil or gas into electricity) and distribution of energy, and final consumption by end users. It excludes energy carriers used for non-energy purposes (such as petroleum used for producing plastics). Final energy consumption is the total energy consumed by end users, such as households, industry, services, agriculture and fisheries. It is the energy that reaches the final consumer’s door and excludes the energy used by the energy sector itself and in deliveries to the transformation sector.