EC energy savings target Analysis of 20% cost-effective energy savings in the Green Paper on Energy Efficiency

The Green Paper on Energy Efficiency states that the European Union could save at least 20% of its energy consumption in a cost-effective manner. In this report an assessment is made of the robustness of this statement and the factors that play a role in actually reaching this goal. Issues regard the definition of 20% savings, the underlying studies and how the 20% is realised, experiences elsewhere, the contribution of the Energy Service directive and which directives contribute to the Green Paper target. It is concluded that a considerable strengthening of energy efficiency policy, at EU and/or country level, is needed to have the 20% savings statement come true. However, a substantial part of EU-energy efficiency policy can be relied on. Moreover, enduring high energy price levels can help to realise the target to some extent.