EU energy and climate strategy: “20-20-20” target - part IV - KEP energy Magazine - KEP energy

In the following are analysed the trends of the three “20-20-20 Package” main parameters: GHG emissions; RES share in gross final energy consumption; primary energy consumption. The graphics are drawn starting from Eurostat statistical data. The data availability period extends from 1990 to 2013 for the first and the third parameter, and from 2004 to 2013 for the second one. The trends are analysed both at EU level and at Italy level.

The overall GHG emissions in EU are decreased from 100% in 1990 (conventional reference year) to 82,13% in 2012. So, the 2020 target achievement is close. At the same time, the overall GHG emissions in Italy are decreased from 100% to 89,93%. The Italy situation is lagging behind the EU average, and the 2020 target achievement is far. It should be underline that the overall EU value derives from the Member States average. In some countries, as Portugal and Spain, the emissions are increased in comparison to 1990 (115-120% in 2012). In others countries, as France and Italy, they are slightly decreased (about 90% in 2012). In more others countries, as Germany and United Kingdom, they are heavily decreased (about 75% in 2012).

The 20% RES share in gross final energy consumption is an overall EU average target. The starting points are different among countries. For example, in 2005 the RES share was 40,5% in Sweden, 1,4% in United Kingdom and 5,8% in Italy. Similarly, the growth potentials are different among countries, due to geographic, climatic and economic conditions. The Annex I of the 2009/28/EC Directive allocates among Member States the overall EU average target. For example, in 2020 the RES share should be 49,0% in Sweden, 15% in United Kingdom and 17% in Italy.

The 17% RES share in gross final energy consumption is an overall Italy average target. The starting points are different among Regions. In the reference year (virtual year resulting from the combination of the values during the 2005-2009 years) the RES share was 51,6% in Valle d’Aosta, 2,0% in Emilia-Romagna and 6,2% in Toscana. Similarly, the growth potentials are different among Regions, due to geographic, climatic and economic conditions. The Decreto 15 marzo 2012 “Burden Sharing” allocates among Regions the overall Italy average target. For example, in 2020 the RES share should be 52,1% in Valle d’Aosta, 8,9% in Emilia Romagna and 16,5% in Toscana. The RES penetration in EU is progressively growing at 0,74% annual rate. The Italy is approximately in line with the EU.

The energy efficiency increase corresponds to an annual primary energy consumption reduction. For this reason, the Eurostat publishes only EU overall data, and not Member States split data. The EU primary energy consumption is progressively decreased from 2005 (reference year) at – 1,04% annual rate. However, the 2020 target achievement seems still far.

In summary, the statistical data analysis shows that the GHG cut target is the closest, whilst the energy efficiency increase target is the farthest. Since the “2020 Package” does not regulates directly the energy efficiency issue, it has been necessary a specific EU action, which has led to the 2012/27/EU “Energy Efficiency” Directive publication.