Page 15 - European Energy Innovation - Winter 2016 publication
P. 15
Winter 2016 European Energy Innovation 15
EDITORIAL
target, suggesting perhaps this might Amongst other things, the initiative on circumscribes an enormously complex
be a primary test of the new package. Energy Union governance introduces energy sector. Almost inevitably, there
For, as he observed, achieving it will a requirement for National Energy and is disagreement over the best way
reduce our dependence on energy Climate Plans, while the EE and RE forward. The risk is that the ensuing
imports as well as our emissions. Directives include new 2030 targets debate - however healthy, however
and a new bioenergy sustainability well-intentioned - will blunt the thrust
The sheer size and scope of the Winter policy. This has been the subject of of the initiative. Time is clearly running
Package make it impractical to attempt criticism for the balance struck between short: if potential salvation of the global
an in-depth review in a single article. support for new RE versus existing climate lies in Energy Efficiency, then
Several analyses, examining different fossil fuel power generation. ACER, we need action. Not discussion, not
perspectives, have already been perhaps predictably, has welcomed the even legislation.
forthcoming elsewhere; but it increase in its scope. Elsewhere, while
is worthwhile to attempt to identify noting the urgency of global warming, The words to the John Mason
its key themes; and perhaps discern Professor Karl-Friedrich Lenz evaluates Neale Christmas Carol reflect an
a central message. The package of the new 27% RE Target. The steep act of altruism by a King who was
new and updated legislation includes fall in PV pricing, he observes, should subsequently martyred. His Saint’s
a Regulation concerning the assist efforts to accelerate the growth Day, September 28th, is an official
governance of the Energy Union; of RE before he concludes that the new public holiday across many European
updates to three Directives EU-wide target, which replaces targets countries: our attempts to use
(Renewable Energy (RE); Energy for individual Member States, requires renewable biofuels might find an
Efficiency (EE); and Energy Performance a little more good faith in everyone extension of this modern European
of Buildings, the EPBD); and a Market making the maximum effort. Other metaphor in the image of a poor
Design Initiative, consisting of commentators have been somewhat man gathering winter fuel. But “deep
a Directive on Common Rules for the less charitable, criticising the target as and crisp and even”? We must work
Internal Market in Electricity and three lacking ambition. harder if our children are to have a
Regulations governing Electricity chance of seeing a traditional White
Market Regulation, ACER, and Risk And here, perhaps, lies the crux Christmas. And much harder still if our
Preparedness. of the matter. The Winter Package Grandchildren are to see one. l
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