Energy Efficiency in Europe

Transcription

1 Energy Efficiency in Europe Assessment of Energy Efficiency Action Plans and Policies in EU Member States 2013 Country Report MALTA SURVEY REPORT Progress in energy efficiency policies in the EU Member States the experts perspective Findings from the Energy Efficiency Watch Project 2012 * Christiane Egger (O.Ö. Energiesparverband)

2 Summary Assessment Introduction Sectoral Assessment This report is one of 27 country reports published within the Energy- Efficiency- Watch project and assesses both ambition and quality of EU Member States energy efficiency action plans and policy implementation (see more at efficiency- watch.org). The NEEAP analysis and the expert survey both conclude that some additional and sometimes promising policies or policy packages were set up since the publishing of the first NEEAP. Nearly 60% or the EEW- survey respondents state that policies are at least ambitious in a range of sectors or generally highly ambitious. The overall energy efficiency policy, however, has still great potential for further improvement. With regard to the governance framework for instance, Malta has no longer term (2020, 2050) target on which policies and measures for energy efficiency could be aligned. Malta has set up a policy framework for energy efficiency that features some elements of general importance, such as a national energy efficiency fund, a national energy agency and a research strategy. In a sectoral perspective, the Maltese public sector acts as a role model through the implementation of demonstration projects and green public procurement. It lacks, however, a clear vision and targets. This is particularly visible with regard to public buildings where specific targets for the improvement of their energy performance are lacking. The buildings sector displays some promising features. For instance, minimum energy performance standards have been introduced and are proposed to be gradually increased in future. Amongst several financing opportunities, Malta has also established a feed- in tariff for domestic PV. The policy package for appliances could strongly be improved. There are no measures accompanying and increasing the effect of the Ecodesign Directive. Currently, the electricity supplier is installing smart meters which provide useful information on the energy consumption of the household as a whole and, by deduction, also of some household appliances. However, they do not provide information on the best available technologies and their respective saving potential. Information campaigns targeting manufacturers and consumers are not mentioned. The policy package for the industry and the tertiary sector is mainly based on agreements with specific companies (the water services corporation and the energy supplier) and co- funding of energy efficiency measures of companies. The latter measure, however, was only financed until 2013 according to the NEEAP. Several measures regard the tourism sector as one of the country s main income and energy demand sources. Malta s strategy to reach more energy efficiency in the transport sector follows two main goals: modal shift towards public transport and the renewal of the vehicle fleet. The investments in public transport infrastructure are combined with a congestion charge in the capital city. Economic incentives to support purchase and use of newer cars and hybrids or electric vehicles are introduced. To tap the whole potential and to implement a successful policy package several options are missing. Conclusions Malta has set up a range of additional policies since the last NEEAP and shows some ambition to improve energy efficiency; the overall effect of the sectoral policy packages could however be strengthened The analysis based solely on the NEEAP concludes that the policy package for the transport sector is well balanced; however, the respondents to the survey see the greatest gaps in this sector The NEEAP refers to an energy efficiency fund and funding for measures in different sectors; this contrasts with the responses to the survey according to which financing is the greatest barrier to energy efficiency It is recommended that Malta defines a specific target for 2020 and The target should ideally be broken down in sectoral targets and action plans Almost all of the sectoral policy packages could be improved with more focused information and training measures. Further training offers for professionals seem particularly necessary in the buildings, appliances and industrial sector. Specific measures to disseminate knowledge and best practices should be geared towards the needs of sectors and respective actors. 2

3 Screening of the NEEAP Overarching Energy Efficiency Governance Framework long- term strategy other actors involved energy- agencies coordina[on/financing energy services horizontal measures MRV Long- term EE target(s) and strategy Involvement of non- governmental and market actors, and sub- national authorities Energy agencies and climate protection agencies EE mechanisms for overall coordination and financing Favourable framework conditions for energy services Horizontal measures Monitoring, reporting and verification The Maltese NEEAP neither refers to a general EE target for 2020/2050 nor to a strategic plan. The NEEAP refers to the involvement of local authorities, one energy company and other actors such as higher education and research bodies One energy agency has been set up at national level An energy- efficiency fund has been established The NEEAP lacks information on measures to promote energy services Horizontal measures include energy R&D support and energy taxation higher than the EU minimum rates Energy taxation relatively low though A basic MRV scheme is used Public Sector public sector strategy role model public procurement public buildings Public sector strategy Role model, transparency, and demonstration Public procurement Public buildings Adequacy of policy package The public sector strategy lacks a clear vision, targets and a timescale for reaching them. The public sector acts as a good role model. It does so mainly via visible demonstration projects. A green public procurement plan is being established on the basis of EU product and service criteria. The public sector invests in green buildings and builds up a network of officials to promote energy efficiency. An ambitious target for the energy performance of public buildings and for the renovation of the building stock is at proposal stage. The policy package addresses different actors. It could, however, be better balanced. It lacks in particular binding targets and an active information and policy. 3

4 Residential Sector - Buildings MEPS other regula[ons economic incen[ves financing instruments EPCs advice and audits informa[on demonstra[on educa[on and training Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) Other regulations Economic incentives Financing instruments Energy performance certificates (EPCs) Energy advice and audits Information tools Demonstration projects Education and training for stakeholders Adequacy of policy package Minimum energy performance standards are in place; it is proposed to upgrade the requirements in 2013 and 2017 Energy management plans are required for large scale projects Subsidies are provided for roof insulation and solar water heating A financing instrument for the refurbishment and transformation of existing buildings has been set up. It is not clear, however, how simple their use is and whether they are advertised. Energy Performance Certificates have been established. However, their use is not common yet Energy audits are conducted in households. From the text it is not clear how impartial the advice is and what information the audit report communicates Some information is communicated via internet and other media. It is not clear whether this information is clearly responding to different needs of specific groups and whether it is linked to other instruments No information on awards or projects for ultra- low- energy buildings Additional efforts for education and training are mentioned No information on the concrete measures and on what has been done so far The policy mix is rather balanced; different actors as well as the demand and, to a lesser extent, the supply side of energy efficiency markets is addressed. The supply side is relatively week (e.g. training of professionals) and EE potentials are not considered at all Residential Sector - Appliances MEPS economic incen[ves Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) Economic incentives Ecodesign- Directive without accompanying measures Promotion of solar water heaters in the domestic sector energy labels informa[on tools educa[on and training Energy labels Information tools Education and training for retail staff and other supply chain actors Adequacy of policy package EU Energy Labelling implemented Smart meters are being installed in households No reference to education and training None of the aspects of an adequate policy package has clearly been addressed; Information is provided; EU Ecodesign and Energy Labelling information has been implemented 4

5 Industry and Tertiary Sector standards Standards for equipment, production process, products Ecodesign (even though not mentioned in the NEEAP) ES&A targets obliga[ons economic incen[ves tradable permits energy taxa[on energy labelling Energy savings and action targets for individual companies Obligations / commitments Economic incentives Tradable permits Energy or CO 2 taxation Energy labelling Other sectors Adequacy of policy package Not mentioned The water services corporation has committed to energy saving measures; The energy supplier is required to provide energy audits and information on energy efficiency improvements Grant scheme for companies and in particular SMEs EU ETS only Energy taxes above minimum rates Partly included in all MS due to EU energy labelling regulation, which does not cover all appliances though Malta improves the energy efficiency in tourism via loans and the promotion of CHP; the modernisation of fishing vessel engines and agricultural holdings is subsidised Different actors and sectors are considered Supply and demand side partly addressed Policy mix rather balanded Transport Sector planning instruments regulatory instruments economic incen[ves informa[on R&D support Planning instruments Regulatory instruments Economic incentives Information and advice R&D support Malta has a comprehensive planning policy that focusses on modal shift and public transport Parking restriction and public procurement instruments A monitoring system for fuel efficiency and consumption of public sector vehicles is being set up Taxes based on emissions; congestion charge, tax reductions for hybrids and EVs; economic incentives for purchasing EVs Pre- and on- trip info at bus stops Online tools Modeal shift linked to consmer information campaign Advice on energy efficient driving Very low R&D activies 5

6 Findings from the Expert Survey Malta: overall ambiuon of the energy efficiency policies 29% 28% generally, rather low 14% 29% ambi[ous in a few sectors, less so in most others ambi[ous in a range of sectors, less so in a few others generally, rather high In 2011 and 2012, Energy- Efficiency- Watch conducted a quantitative and qualitative survey with national experts on implementation of energy efficiency policies in EU Member States. More than 70% of the respondents (7 questionnaires were completed for Malta) stated that Malta had implemented a range or even many additional policies since the first NEEAP. This is the third highest score of all Member States. Nearly 60% or the respondents state that policies are at least ambitious in a range of sectors or generally highly ambitious. However, also nearly 60% believe that the ESD target will not be achieved or, if achieved, that it will not lead to considerable savings. The greatest barrier to energy efficiency is reported to be financing. Critical issues mentioned for the buildings sector are financing (some limited grants are available for e.g. double glazing and roof insulation) and the lack of information and skills across the value chain (owners, construction companies etc..). Issues reported for the public sector are the lack of human resources for energy efficiency as well as of obligations to act on energy efficiency in this sector. According to the experts, more energy audits in public buildings need to be carried out. It was positively noted that local authorities are increasingly active and a number of municipalities are developing Sustainable Energy Actions Plans in the framework of the Covenant of Mayors. The transport sector is reported to be the sector with the greatest gaps that lacks in particular infrastructure and awareness raising measures. Activities carried out in the transport sector are the replacement of old buses by more efficient ones. In addition, Malta established a programme for the promotion of electric cars. According to the experts, however, the market for electric cars is still very small. With regard to the service and industry sector (important branches include hotels and the electronic industry) experts reported that some grants were available through ERDF funding. The most effective instruments for promoting energy efficiency are audits and funds according to the respondents. 86% of respondents think of energy audits as a partly effective instrument; 57% state that energy efficiency funds are very effective, 14% think of funds as partly effective. Malta: achievement of nauonal energy savings target 14% target will not be achieved 29% 29% target will be achieved but will not lead to a lot of addi[onal savings target will probably be achieved target will certainly be achieved 28% not aware of energy savings target 6

7 Good Practice Examples Malta has established a well balanced transport sector policy framework which can be considered as a good practice example. It is strong especially in planning instruments that focus on modal shift and public transport. Regulatory instruments, economic incentives, and information and advice are in place and available. Public transportation and public procurement are top ranked topics within the sector. The industry and tertiary sector is balanced and can further be improved. Here, energy savings and action targets for individual companies are not mentioned which should be done. Concerning standards, tradable permits, and energy labeling, Malta could go beyond EU requirements to further strengthen its policy. Orientation to improve these measures offer the NEEAPs of France, Slovenia, and Bulgaria. For instance in France an agreement focus on the remove of the least- efficient light bulbs earlier than scheduled from the market. Slovenia has established a CO 2 tax and plans to link exemptions from the CO 2 tax to energy management at company level. Bulgaria sets e.g. individual energy saving targets for industrial systems with an annual consumption over MWh. These entities must furthermore conduct energy audits every three years. Concerning the weak appliances sector the NEEAPs of the Netherlands, France, and Ireland can be considered as good practice examples which can help to improve the Maltesian appliances sector. Information is provided through labels that uses standards and therefore give orientation which can be found in the Netherlands. As well information centres, websites and web based tools e.g. for calculating energy savings provide help and orientation. Those can be found in the Netherlands and especially in France. Concerning the governance framework the implementation of the Ecodesign Directive on national level can be seen as first step. In France there is additionally a co- operation with the lighting trade union to remove the least efficient products from the market. Financial incentives that target businesses are available in the Netherlands. Incentives are for instance energy investment allowances and tax rebates for purchase of energy efficient equipement. A tax incentive is also provided by Ireland. The corresponding list of efficient equipment is also used used as a best practice list by public bodies for public procurement. This instrument thus links public and private sector purchases and creates a greater market for the eligible energy efficient products. R&D funding (Energy Research Subsidy) is available for energy saving technologies but it is not clear whether the subsidy will be available also in future. 7

8 Disclaimer The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the EACI nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. The analysis performed here is based almost exclusively on the information provided in the NEEAPs. Consequently, a low score for any of the criteria analysed could also be the result of a NEEAP lacking detailed information. The purpose of this assessment is not an absolute ranking among Member States but is focusing on each Member State s individual conditions. The Project In 2006, the European Union adopted the Directive on energy end- use efficiency and energy services ("ESD"). The Directive sets an indicative energy saving target of 9 % by 2016 as well as obligations on national authorities regarding energy savings, energy efficient procurement and the promotion of energy efficiency and energy services. It requires Member States to submit three National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs), scheduled for 2007, 2011 and The Energy- Efficiency- Watch Project aims to facilitate the implementation of the Energy Service Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive. This Intelligent Energy Europe project tried to portray the progress made in implementation of energy efficiency policies since the Energy Service Directive via NEEAPs screening and an extensive EU wide expert survey. efficiency- watch.org The Authors Ralf Schüle, Thomas Madry, Vera Aydin, Jonas Fischer, Jan Kaselofsky, Thorsten Koska, Carolin Schäfer- Sparenberg, Lena Tholen (Wuppertal Institute) Daniel Becker, Nikolas Bader (Ecofys) Christiane Egger (O.Ö. Energiesparverband) with contributions by Reinhold Priewasser, Michaela Kloiber (University of Linz) Nils Borg (eceee), Dominique Bourges (Fedarene), Peter Schilken (Energy Cities) List of Abbreviations EE Energy Efficiency, EED Energy Efficiency Directive, EPC Energy Performance Certificates, EPDB Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, ES&A Targets - Energy Savings and Action Targets, ESCO Energy Service Company, ESD Energy Service Directive, EU European Union, EEW Energy- Efficiency- Watch, MEPS Minimum Energy Performance Standards, MRV Monitoring, Reporting and Verification, MURE Mesures d Utilisation Rationelle de l Energie, NEEAP National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, R&D Research and Development Photography Credits: PhotoDisc, istock,