The EU laggs behind in the reduction of energy consumption

The EU commission presented an action plan for energy efficiency covering 10 priority areas as far back as 2006. The plan included things like standards for energy-efficiency in equipments such as boilers, copiers and lighting. The plan also included new energy standards for buildings and legislation to limit the CO2 emissions from cars. However the plan was not implemented and a re-draft is currently being worked on.

EuroActiv has indicated that the long awaited plan will not be ready until February 2011. Leaked documents from the new plan acknowledge that the EU will not reach its 20% reduction in energy consumption by 2020 and that in fact, only half that figure might be attained.

The new plan to be unveiled next year includes a strategy for five areas: buildngs, transport, industry, the energy sector and the public sector.