EU to step up efforts to improve energy efficiency

The European Union (EU) is to implement tougher measures to improve energy efficiency, according to an action plan which will be unveiled by the European Commission on Thursday.

The paper sets out ten "priority actions" for 2007-2012 to control and reduce the 25-nation's energy demand, including stricter rules on household items and transport tools, the Brussels-based eupolitix website reported Monday.

Higher energy-saving requirements will be introduced for household appliances such as televisions and light bulbs, and EU rules on energy-efficient building designs will be tightened, said eupolitix, which saw the action plan.

On transport, which accounts for 20 percent of total primary energy consumption, the commission makes it clear that it will crack down on CO2 emissions from cars.

"Should it become clear that the voluntary commitments of the car industry to reach 140g CO2/km by 2008-09 will not be honored, the commission will not hesitate to propose legislation," the action plan reads.

Another priority action is the improvement of efficiency in energy production. According to EU figures, transformation losses accounted for 33 percent of the EU's primary energy consumption in 2005.

By 2008, Brussels will develop minimum binding requirements on efficiency for new electricity, heating and cooling capacity under 20 MW. The commission will also work with the energy supply industry to develop guidelines to raise efficiency for all plants and reduce transmission and distribution losses.

In 2007, the commission will also consider the costs and benefits of using tax credits and tax breaks as incentives for companies to produce more certified energy-efficient appliances and equipment.

The commission also plans to work with banks on helping small companies get funding for energy-efficient policies.

Meanwhile, Brussels is working on improving its "external energy relations" by boosting relations with its major energy suppliers. EU leaders will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday and energy issues will top the agenda.

The new measures aim to cut the EU's energy use by 20 percent by 2020, the paper said.

Source: Xinhua