Policy & Regulation

The article examines the efficacy of decentralizing environmental taxes to address region-specific environmental issues, contrasting it with centralization that may cause fiscal competition and efficiency losses. It suggests harmonizing economic incentives with environmental protection to optimize the impact of environmental taxes on sustainability.

The eceee industrial energy efficiency conference in Antwerp focused on the imperative for industry to achieve deep decarbonisation while remaining competitive. Themes included future challenges, energy management, and change drivers, acknowledging the complexity of decarbonising industries in under three decades.

The EU Energy Efficiency Financing Declaration promotes energy efficiency as crucial for the EU's 2050 decarbonization, targeting a 11.7% increase by 2030. It urges substantial private investment for energy transition, aligning with the EU Green Deal, REPowerEU, and Paris Agreement goals, aiming for climate neutrality and economic resilience. The declaration establishes the European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition to mobilize funding and outlines public sector leadership and investment conditions for energy efficiency projects.

The European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition was established through a Joint Declaration to mobilize private investment and create a robust funding framework for energy efficiency projects. The Coalition aims to bolster market environments and scale private funding to meet EU energy and climate targets.

The EU's Artificial Intelligence Act, following a three-day negotiation, aims to integrate AI into the European market, balancing innovation with fundamental rights protection. The act's risk-based approach sets stringent rules for high-risk AI applications, excludes certain AI uses, and provides specific law enforcement exceptions. It establishes a governance system, including an AI Board, and introduces penalties for violations. The legislation will take effect two years post-enactment, with a focus on transparent and responsible AI development.

The DEESME project, under EU's Horizon 2020, aids SMEs in energy efficiency endeavours, countering technical, financial, and awareness barriers. It provides a multi-layered approach to align SMEs with EU goals, offering policy recommendations and strategies to effectively implement Article 11 of the Energy Efficiency Directive.

The European Union is intensifying efforts to foster green hydrogen as a key component of its energy and climate strategy. Policies are being developed to support the production, distribution, and use of green hydrogen, aligning with the EU's broader goals of achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable economic growth.

Achieving deep decarbonisation by 2050 is only possible through new production processes. Electricity demand of the sector could increase three-fold by 2050. The production of steel from recycled scrap increases by a range of +30% to +70% versus.

The Energy Efficiency Financial Institutions Group (EEFIG) will soon publish its final report from an expert working group on accelerating consumer demand.