EU Energy Efficiency Directive
77. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he intends taking to ensure compliance with the proposed new European energy efficiency directive which will set a targeted 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6748/06]
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey): I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 105 and 153 together.
The proposed directive on energy efficiency and energy services sets national indicative targets for energy saving and requires member states to produce energy efficiency action plans from 2007. The target is to save an annual quantity of energy equal to 1% of the quantity of energy supplied and-or sold to end customers, amounting to a 9% improvement in energy efficiency over the nine year period of application. We will meet this target through the accelerated development and promotion of targeted energy efficiency measures building on the programmes already successfully run by Sustainable Energy Ireland.
The Commission’s Green Paper on energy efficiency sets a target of 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020. The consultation phase of the Green Paper will conclude next month. Ireland fully supports the thrust of the Green Paper and I would not disagree with its conclusion that 20% energy efficiency target is both necessary and achievable for the EU.
In the context of the EU initiatives and our own national energy policy challenges, energy efficiency is a key strategic priority for me and the Government. I have mandated my Department and SEI to accelerate work in this area. In particular, work is underway to develop a comprehensive national energy efficiency campaign for 2006 and forward years which I will launch in the autumn.