European Union Drivers

The EU in early 2007 released a large energy and climate package. The package included the following documents:

1. Renewable energy roadmap
2. EU Technology Plan
3. Action Plan on energy efficiency (Memo)
4. Renewable electricity
5. Sustainable power from Fossil fuels
6. Biofuels Progress report
7. Priority Interconnector Plan
8. Nuclear illustrative programme

The 2007 Spring European Council demonstrated that the EU is taking the lead in the fight against global warming. EU heads of state and government adopted an energy policy for Europe which doesn't simply aim to boost competitiveness and secure energy supply, but also aspires to save energy and promote climate-friendly energy sources.
 
EU leaders set a firm target of cutting 20% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 - the EU will be willing to put this goal up to 30% if the US, China and India make similar commitments. EU leaders also set a binding overall goal of 20% for renewable energy sources by 2020, compared to the present 6,5%.
 
A binding minimum target of 10% for the share of biofuels in overall transport petrol and diesel consumption by 2020 was also set.

A number of European Union Directives are directly applicable to Energy policy within Ireland. The role of SEI in relation to these Directives is to prepare for and implement delegated tasks arising from the Directives, and to provide support in the form of information, orientation and advice to Government departments.

The four directives that will most directly shape sustainable energy in Ireland are:

• Renewable Electricity Directive (2001)
• Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (2003)
• Emissions Trading Directive (2003)
• Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive (2005)

Full information on the energy efficiency directives is located here- http://ec.europa.eu/energy/demand/legislation/index_en.htm

Other directives of relevance to SEAI’s remit include:

• Biofuels Directive, 8 May 2003 on the promotion of the use of Biofuels or other renewable fuels for Transport
• CHP Directive, the promotion of cogeneration based on a useful heat demand in the internal energy market  (2004/8/EC)
• Directive 93/98/EC on liberalisation of the gas market (market liberalisation (96/92/EC).
• Directive on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants