"We need to remember that energy efficiency is the cheapest energy that exists - there is no cheaper energy than the one we didn’t use, so our efforts should be to encourage all to energy efficiency as a first rule, through proper regulation, which shows chances and opportunities more than constraints." Rafał Trzaskowski made these remarks when opening the discussion during an exchange of views on the CoR Opinion on 'Amending the Energy Efficiency Directive to meet the new 2030 climate targets. He further remarked that, "renewable energy production often takes place at local level and depends on local and regional SMEs. Member States must fully engage local and regional authorities when setting targets and provide supporting policy measures and financing in the energy sector."
Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw, who is serving as the CoR rapporteur called to use cumulative savings instead of targets defined separately for primary and final energy as this would increase the efficiency of the entire chain of production, distribution and consumption of energy.
The rapporteur underlined the exemplary role of the public sector in terms of energy efficiency. Referring to the obligation of 3% annual renovation of public sector buildings, he asked the European Commission to provide further clarifications, indications of means and methods of financing and called for direct funds for local and regional authorities to implement energy efficiency projects on the ground.
He also added that "energy efficiency should be increased regardless of the energy source, on the terms consistent with the provisions of the existing directives and underlined that new definitions should be active only from 2030."
The working document calls for joint undertakings between regions, cities, Member States and the private sector, for the production of renewable energy, which would not be possible without that cooperation. Furthermore, it also calls for more joint coordination with the involvement of local and regional authorities to increase the share of renewable energy.
The CoR working document also underlines the need to provide local and regional authorities with technical assistance to enhance their capacity to attract and mobilise private financing. In his opinion, Trzaskowski stressed that local and regional authorities should be part of the efforts to effectively apply the revised directive, due to their closeness to citizens, SMEs and industries.
The ENVE commission is expected to vote on the opinion on 10-11 March 2022. The Opinion will be presented during the April 2022 plenary session.