The first item of the Clean Energy package (see QNL 2-17 p.6) to be discussed is the energy efficiency and the related target for 2030, which are now debated within the European Parliament and the Council. Both institutions have to adopt their own position before negotiating between each other. This debate will have tremendous consequences on the European energy outlook for the decades to come. The current target is non-binding and aims at a reduction 27% by 2030 compared with “the business-as-usual scenario”.

A majority of members of the European Parliament wish to make it binding and go as far as 40%, but they could agree with a 30% binding target. The member states are more divided, some pushing to leave the target as it is now (Poland, Slovakia, Hungary), some willing to be more ambitious with a 30% binding target (Netherlands, France, Sweden, Ireland, etc.). Ambitious energy efficiency targets could make a good business and research case for gas turbines-related technology and innovation. Meetings of the Council of the EU for Energy are planned on 8-9 and 26 June, hoping to reach a position to move forward: this aspect defines and withholds progression on all the other energy policy questions.