New Energy Goals for the European Union

Published on November 21, 2018

Recently, the European Union adopted new energy saving and renewable resource targets that will put it on track to exceed its climate goals, according to the EU executive.

With these new rules, the target for energy savings is at 32.5 percent, with an increase in renewable energy at 32 percent by 2030.

The EU’s current climate goal is to reduce the bloc’s emissions by 40 percent from the amount in 1990 by 2030, but the new rules will set the EU on course to reduce emissions by 45 percent by 2030, according to the EU executive.

Maros Sefcovic, European Commission Vice President, has said that these new rules are unlocking the true potential of Europe’s transition to clean energy, and that they will help create jobs, lower energy bills for consumers, and help the EU meet their goals for climate change set out in the Paris Agreement.

After Brexit, the European Commission estimates that the remaining 27 countries will have a total energy demand equivalent to 1,128 million tonnes of oil, with the final amount consumed by end users being equivalent to 846 million tonnes of oil by 2030.

The previous estimate with Britain as part of the EU had the total energy demand equivalent to 1,273 million tonnes of oil, and the final consumed amount equivalent to 956 million tonnes of oil.

Expected in April is the European Commission’s long-term plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For the EU to reach its climate goals, national governments will need to reduce their overall energy usage by 0.8 percent every year from 2021 to 2030.

Additionally, at least 14 percent of fuel used in the transportation sector needs to be from renewable sources by 2030; and that forest-harming biofuels such as palm oil need to stopped being used by the end of 2030.

Reducing Energy Consumption in Ontario

Homeowners in Ontario are able to significantly contribute to lowering both global greenhouse gas emissions and emissions in Ontario by improving the level of efficiency in their home. By having a Home Energy Assessment conducted by one of our Registered Energy Advisors, you can gain a complete look at how efficient your home is, along with a list of suggestions for how and where efficiency can be improved.

The suggestions in the assessment are ordered in terms cost-effectiveness, meaning that our advisors calculate which modifications or retrofits would improve your home’s efficiency the most per dollar spent. Quite often, the most cost-effective way of improving a home’s efficiency is through simple and affordable methods, such as improving attic insulation, or locating and sealing air leaks.

By improving your home’s energy efficiency you not only contribute to lowering global greenhouse gas emissions, you can also see a noticeable improvement in your home’s air quality, comfort and utility cost.

A Home Energy Assessment is also part of the qualification process for the home renovation rebates that are currently available for both Enbridge and Union Gas customers - making it even easier for you to see a return on your efficiency improving investments.