EE-First

Assistance with the Analysis to Support the Implementation of the Efficiency First Principle in Decision-Making

  • Project no.252045
  • Duration 04/2020 - 10/2020

Energy efficiency (first) is one of the central pillars of the EU's long-term energy and climate strategy and is termed its first fuel. Yet, in real-world planning, it is a fuel that is still far too often overlooked as compared to supply-side options. The Energy Efficiency First (EEF) principle has been defined in the EU's Governance Regulation for energy and climate policy. It means to prioritise energy efficiency options when they are more beneficial than supply-side options. In order to apply it, a more thorough discussion, understanding, and guidance is needed in which policy areas and at which decision-making steps the EEF) principle can and should be applied. It can be used both in policy-making, in planning processes, and for concrete investment decisions. It is not only applicable to energy-related processes and decisions, but also to other sectors, including transport, water, digitalisation, or all kinds of natural resources.

This project developed a hands-on approach to applying the EEF principle. It served as the basis for the European Commission's guidance document for the Member States on how to implement the principle. Dr. Stefan Thomas, Director of the Research Division Energy, Transport and Climate Policy at the Wuppertal Institute, who has a long-standing experience in benefit-cost analysis of energy efficiency options and policies, performed the Quality Assurance for the project.



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