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 SLOVENIA 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 EEW- expert assessment and the NEEAP analysis come to different conclusions with respect to the overall energy efficiency strategy in Slovenia. While experts point to the lack of a strategic approach, the NEEAP analysis refers to several strategic documents that, at least on paper, highlight strategic planning. A great majority of experts expect that the ESD target will not be reached or, if reached, will not lead to significant additional energy savings. The NEEAP states that targets for 2016 will be reached. Both, the expert assessment and the NEEAP analysis, indicate several positive aspects and some gaps and weaknesses that need to be improved. The sectoral assessment is as follows: With regard to the public sector, the NEEAP analysis and the experts point to the lack of a clear strategy and vision. However, the public sector is active in the field of communication, awareness- raising, training and education as well as the establishment of energy management systems in all ministries. A framework for green public procurement has partly been set up. Slovenia has set up a well balanced policy package for buildings. To help citizens comply with these standards economic and financial support has been made available. Regulations provide orientation for energy efficient spatial planning and make it compulsory that the calculation of heating costs in multi- family buildings reflects the actual consumption. Advice is provided through a network of 36 offices throughout the country. Energy performance certificates and demonstration projects lack in the policy package. The policy package for appliances is to a large extent based on the implementation of the EU Directives on ecodesign and energy labelling. The policy package for industry is comparatively well developed and features excise duties on gas and electricity above the EU minimum rates, and a CO 2 tax. A scheme for linking exemptions from the CO 2 tax to energy savings is being designed. Slovenia has furthermore set a number of economic incentives for the implementation of energy saving measures in industry. Other measures such as a system of energy use comparison for major consumers and Information/awareness raising campaigns and training activities complement the package. On the basis of the information provided in the NEEAP the policy package for the transport sector seems to be well balanced. This assessment of the transport sector differs from the negative assessment of the experts who point to important gaps. Based on the NEEAP assessment and the survey result the Slovenian policies show some good progress over recent years. Improvements could be the following: Conclusions Some policy gaps still need to be tackled in most sectors The implementation of the EPBD is reported to be too slow and energy performance certificates are lacking for buildings Transport policy does not go significantly beyond EU regulations and is according to experts one of the major policy gaps The lack of funding for energy efficiency is seen as an important challenge and the introduction or strengthening of energy efficiency funds accordingly as the most promising policy instrument 2

3 Screening of the NEEAP Overarching Energy Efficiency Governance Framework long- term strategy other actors involved energy- agencies coordinazon/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 draft National Energy Programme to 2030 sets out targets and guides policy; A strategy for Slovenia s transition to a low- carbon society is being drafted; Most of the towns and cities have developed energy strategies Municipalities and energy companies are involved Energy agencies exist at national and local level Energy efficiency funding is provided through the budget; Energy companies are obliged to promote energy end- use savings and to formulate and implement programmes to raise energy efficiency Supportive framework conditions, including model contracts, have been put in place The excise duty rates for gas and electricity are above the minimum rates and a CO 2 tax is applied; R&D is promoted An advanced MRV that distinguishes between early and additional savings and is largely based on bottom- up methods has been developed Public Sector public sector strategy Public sector strategy A clear strategy for the public sector has not been outlined; Several towns and cities have adopted their own strategies role model public procurement public buildings Role model, transparency, and demonstration Public procurement Public buildings Adequacy of policy package It is envisaged to introduce a system of energy management in all ministries by 2014; A long- term communication and awareness- programme is being prepared; Energy advice networks have been set up for citizens; It is envisaged to train staff in efficient energy use A green public procurement action plan has been adopted; A Decree stating certain requirements is under way; Staff is trained in public procurement Financial incentives for the renovation and sustainable construction of public buildings as well as efficient electricity consumption have been set; It is planned to use energy contracting to speed up the renovation rate and achieve an annual renovation rate of 3% as of 2014; Energy management systems are to be introduced Supply and demand side have been addressed; Different actors have been considered 3

4 Residential Sector - Buildings MEPS other regulazons economic incenzves financing instruments EPCs advice and audits informazon demonstrazon educazon 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 have been set Orientations for energy efficient spatial planning are given by a regulation; The calculation of heating costs in multi- family buildings reflects the actual consumption; Inspection of boilers and air conditioning systems Economic incentives are available for the renovation and construction of buildings and the installation of efficient heating systems; A specific grant scheme is available for low- income households Low interest loans are available for the renovation and construction of buildings Partly mentioned An energy advice network offers free advice in 36 offices throughout the country; Energy audits are subsidised; Eco Fund subsidies are limited to projects designed by certified providers Information and awareness- raising activities have been conducted Not mentioned Energy efficiency is addressed in the vocational and professional education in Slovenia; Energy managers have been trained Supply and demand sides are addressed; Different actors are considered; The policy mix is well balanced Residential Sector - Appliances MEPS economic incenzves energy labels Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) Economic incentives Energy labels The Ecodesign Directive has been transposed Financial incentives for the purchase of efficient appliances are available The EU energy label Directive has been implemented informazon tools Information tools Information is provided through a long term communication programme and energy companies educazon and training Education and training for retail staff and other supply chain actors Adequacy of policy package Not mentioned The supply and demand side of energy efficiency markets have been addressed; The policy mix is rather balanced 4

5 Industry and Tertiary Sector standards ES&A targets obligazons economic incenzves Standards for equipment, production process, products Energy savings and action targets for individual companies Obligations / commitments Economic incentives The Ecodesign Directive has been transposed Not mentioned It is planned to link exemptions from the CO 2 tax to energy management at company level Co- financing is provided to raise the efficiency of electricity consumption; Subsidies for energy audits and financial incentives for the introduction of energy management systems are available tradable permits energy taxazon energy labelling Tradable permits Energy or CO 2 taxation Energy labelling Other sectors Not mentioned; Only EU ETS The excise duties for gas and electricity are above the minimum rates; A CO 2 tax on the use of fuels and combustible organic matter in solid, liquid or gaseous form is applied The Energy labelling Directive has been transposed Not mentioned Adequacy of policy package The supply and demand side have been addressed The policy mix is balanced Transport Sector planning instruments Planning instruments All modes of transport are addressed by investments and incentives regulatory instruments economic incenzves informazon R&D support Regulatory instruments Economic incentives Information and advice R&D support Adequacy of policy package Commercial centres and industrial zones must have an integrated mobility plan that ensures the possibility of competitive public transport for employees; Green public procurement Several incentives have been set; Subsidy stimulus for public transport providers to focus on the number of passenger kilometres instead of kilometres travelled on the road Information and awareness- raising campaigns; Eco- driving training; Car labelling; Promotional and educational activities Not clearly described The policy package is well balanced, different actors are addressed, potentials are considered, specific barriers of public transport operators are considered 5

6 Findings from the Expert Survey 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. The project received 12 responses from Slovenia to the quantitative survey. The majority of interviewees think that a range of additional policies have been deployed over past years and that energy efficiency policies had progressed relatively well since the first NEAAP. Even though a majority of respondents consider the Slovenian policy, at least in a range of sectors, ambitious, more than 70% of them either believe that the national ESD target will not be achieved or, if achieved, will not lead to significant additional energy savings. The lack of financing is reported to be the most important barrier to energy efficiency. A general problem, according to experts, is the lack of a strategic approach to the different energy efficiency sectors at national level. In the buildings sector, the slow implementation of the (first) EPBD as well as buildings certification are reported by experts as being the most critical issues. Slovenia: overall ambiyon of the energy efficiency policies 17% 50% generally, rather low 8% 25% ambizous in a few sectors, less so in most others ambizous in a range of sectors, less so in a few others generally, rather high In line with the picture in many other Member States, transport is also in Slovenia perceived as the sector with the biggest gap in energy efficient policies. The public transport system is not in good shape and only some initiatives for the promotion of electric cars are reported as positive developments. In industry, some energy management systems were established. With regard to the public sector experts stated that energy bookkeeping had been made mandatory but was not widely implemented yet. Green public procurement could be strengthened and the challenge of fragmented responsibilities between ministries is a challenge to be tackled. The fact that financing is perceived as the most important barriers is mirrored in the assessment of funds being the most effective instrument to further energy efficiency in Slovenia. 100% of experts perceive funds as partly or very effective which is the most positive feedback on this instrument that was received across countries. The introduction of a new fund for energy efficiency is therefore seen as a positive development over recent years as well as the observation that business actors get more involved in energy efficiency issues. Slovenia: achievement of nayonal energy savings target 8% target will not be achieved 17% 42% target will be achieved but will not lead to a lot of addizonal savings target will probably be achieved target will certainly be achieved 33% not aware of energy savings target 6

7 Good Practice Examples Except of R&D support the transport sector can be considered as good practice example. Slovenia is strong in planning instruments and economic incentives. Especially link between the subsidy for public transport providers to the number of km travelled by passengers and no longer to the number of km travelled on the road is noteworthy. Regulatory instruments and information measures are good too. The buildings sector is balanced and could be improved in terms of minimum energy performance standards, financing instruments, and energy performance certificates. This could be done by using different good practice examples for orientation. For instance Germany can be used as an good practice example concerning information, finance & incentives and governance framework. Minimum energy performance standards are in place for new and existing buildings undergoing major renovations. There is also a regular strengthening of targets and obligations. France is a good example for enforcement mechanisms. An official Energy Performance Certificate is issued in Ireland for each home which receives and energy upgrade detailing all energy efficiency measures carried out on the house. Energy performance certificates are also mandatory in Germany at time of sale or lease and contain improvement recommendations. Other measures as the Act on the Promotion of Renewable Thermal Energy have additional impact on energy efficiency. Another need for improvement could be detected in the appliances sector which is rather balanced. Except of economic incentives all measures could be further strengthened and education & training is not mentioned which should be done. There are following good examples that can be used for improvement: For instance 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. 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 and can be found in the Irish NEEAP. 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,