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Assessment of climate change policies as part of the European Semester Monthly Progress Update for the 28 Member States
July/August 2015
A report submitted by ICF Consulting Limited
in association with
Ecologic Institute, Berlin and eclareon GmbH
to DG Climate Action
ICF Consulting Limited Watling House 33 Cannon Street London EC4M 5SB
T +44 (0)20 3096 4800 F +44 (0)20 3368 6960
www.icfi.com
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Document Control
Document Title Assessment of climate change policies as part of the European Semester: Country
Report Germany
Job No. 30300170
Prepared by ICF in cooperation with eclareon GmbH and Ecologic Institute
Checked by Checked by Lena Ruthner
Date 10 September 2015
First point of contact Lena Ruthner, ICF International
Watling House
33 Cannon Street
London
EC4M 5SB
This final draft report (the “Report”) has been prepared by ICF Consulting Ltd (“ICF”) and its
subcontractors for DG Climate Action (the “Client”) and does not necessarily represent the
Commission’s view. The Report is based on the data which was publicly available at the time of its
delivery by ICF and ICF shall not be held liable for any change, update or any other alterations of this
data after delivery.
The report is building on the country reports and other documents prepared by Ecologic Institute and
eclareon for the Directorate General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) under Service Contract:
071201/2012/635684/SER/CLIMA.A.3.
This report is the copyright of the Client. The contents of this Report may not be reproduced in whole
or in part, nor passed to any other organisation or person without the specific prior written permission
of the Client.
ICF and its subcontractors have used reasonable skill and care in checking the accuracy and
completeness of information supplied by the Client or third parties in the course of this project under
which the Report was produced. ICF is however unable to warrant either the accuracy or
completeness of such information supplied by the Client or third parties, nor that it is fit for any
purpose. ICF does not accept responsibility for any legal, commercial or other consequences that may
arise directly or indirectly as a result of the use by ICF of inaccurate or incomplete information supplied
by the Client or third parties in the course of this project or its inclusion in this report.
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Contents
Document Control ............................................................................................................... ii
1 Austria .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Energy Efficiency ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Transport .................................................................................................................................. 1
1.4 Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) ................................................................ 2
2 Belgium .................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Environmental Taxation ........................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Energy Efficiency ..................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Transport .................................................................................................................................. 4
3 Bulgaria .................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................... 5
4 Cyprus .................................................................................................................... 6
4.1 Environmental Taxation ........................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................... 6
5 Czech Republic ....................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Energy Efficiency ..................................................................................................................... 7
6 Croatia.................................................................................................................... 8
6.1 Horizontal Measures ................................................................................................................ 8
6.2 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................... 8
6.3 Transport ................................................................................................................................ 10
7 Denmark .............................................................................................................. 11
7.1 Horizontal Measures .............................................................................................................. 11
7.2 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 11
7.3 Transport ................................................................................................................................ 11
8 Estonia ................................................................................................................. 12
8.1 Environmental Taxation ......................................................................................................... 12
8.2 Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 12
8.3 Energy Networks .................................................................................................................... 12
8.4 Transport ................................................................................................................................ 13
9 Finland ................................................................................................................. 14
9.1 Specific energy challenges .................................................................................................... 14
9.2 Environmental Taxation ......................................................................................................... 14
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10 France .................................................................................................................. 15
10.1 Overarching Measures ........................................................................................................... 15
10.2 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 16
10.3 Transport ................................................................................................................................ 17
10.4 Waste ..................................................................................................................................... 17
11 Germany .............................................................................................................. 19
11.1 Specific Energy Challenges ................................................................................................... 19
11.2 Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 20
11.3 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 22
11.4 Energy Networks .................................................................................................................... 23
12 Greece .................................................................................................................. 24
12.1 Overarching Measures ........................................................................................................... 24
12.2 Specific Energy Challenges ................................................................................................... 24
12.3 Environmental Taxation ......................................................................................................... 25
12.4 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 25
12.5 Waste ..................................................................................................................................... 26
13 Hungary ................................................................................................................ 27
13.1 Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 27
14 Ireland .................................................................................................................. 28
14.1 Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 28
15 Italy ...................................................................................................................... 29
15.1 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ............................................................................. 29
16 Latvia ................................................................................................................... 30
16.1 Transport ................................................................................................................................ 30
17 Lithuania .............................................................................................................. 31
17.1 Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 31
17.2 Energy Networks .................................................................................................................... 31
18 Luxembourg ......................................................................................................... 33
18.1 Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 33
18.2 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 33
18.3 Energy Networks .................................................................................................................... 33
19 Malta .................................................................................................................... 35
19.1 Transport ................................................................................................................................ 35
20 Netherlands .......................................................................................................... 36
20.1 Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 36
20.2 Transport ................................................................................................................................ 36
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21 Poland .................................................................................................................. 37
21.1 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 37
22 Portugal ................................................................................................................ 38
22.1 Specific Energy Challenges ................................................................................................... 38
22.2 Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 38
22.3 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 39
22.4 Transport ................................................................................................................................ 39
23 Romania ............................................................................................................... 41
23.1 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 41
23.2 Energy Networks .................................................................................................................... 41
24 Slovakia ................................................................................................................ 42
24.1 Energy Networks .................................................................................................................... 42
25 Slovenia ................................................................................................................ 43
25.1 Specific energy challenges .................................................................................................... 43
25.2 Environmental Taxation ......................................................................................................... 43
25.3 Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 43
25.4 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 44
26 Spain .................................................................................................................... 45
26.1 Cross-cutting Measures ......................................................................................................... 45
26.2 Transport ................................................................................................................................ 45
27 Sweden ................................................................................................................ 47
27.1 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 47
27.2 Energy Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 47
28 United Kingdom ................................................................................................... 48
28.1 Cross-cutting Measures ......................................................................................................... 48
28.2 Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................. 48
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1 Austria
1.1 Energy Efficiency
Successful completion of Thermal Renovation Initiative 2015 As announced on 5 August 2015, the Thermal Renovation Initiative 2015 initiated in March 2015 by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management and the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economics has been completed successfully. Due to the high demand for funding for thermal building renovation, the available grant funds have been exhausted. The initiative was again very well received by the Austrian population. In total, more than 17,000 applications were submitted, triggering a total investment of more than EUR 570 million. The funding programme was initiated to support the thermal insulation of houses, apartments and industrial buildings. The renovation check is intended to save energy, reduce CO2 emissions and stimulate the construction sector. Funding was available for thermal renovation measures (insulation of exterior walls and ceilings, replacement of windows and exterior doors) and the exchange of heating devices in buildings that are older than 20 years (see MPU March 2015).
Read more [in German]: http://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/presse/umwelt/150805.html
Read more [in German]:
http://www.bmwfw.gv.at/Presse/AktuellePresseMeldungen/Seiten/Sanierungsoffensive-2015-
erfolgreich-abgeschlossen.aspx
Read more [in German]:
http://www.bmwfw.gv.at/Presse/AktuellePresseMeldungen/Seiten/F%C3%B6rderaktion-f%C3%BCr-
thermische-Sanierung-startet-am-2.-M%C3%A4rz.aspx
1.2 Renewable Energy
Austrian Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) and the Climate and Energy Fund
open the first power to gas plant in Austria
On 19 August 2015, Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology, Alois Stoeger, opened
the pilot plant “Wind2Hydrogen” in Auersthal, Austria. The power to gas plant will convert power from
renewable energy sources into hydrogen, store it, feed it into the gas grid or use it as a high-purity
hydrogen for mobility purposes.
The project was funded by the Climate and Energy Fund as part of its energy research programme,
granting about EUR 1.2 million.
Read more [in German]: https://www.klimafonds.gv.at/presse/presseinformationen/bmvit-und-klima-und-energiefonds-eroeffnen-erste-power-to-gas-anlage-in-oesterreich/
Read more [in German]: http://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20150819_OTS0085/bmvit-und-
klima-und-energiefonds-eroeffnen-erste-power-to-gas-anlage-in-oesterreich-bild
1.3 Transport
Austria continues to promote electromobility with two new funding schemes
As announced on 24 August 2015, two new funding initiatives run by the Upper Austrian Environment
and Energy Department will promote the transition to electromobility.
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The first programme aims to promote electric vehicles serving the public interest (taxis, rental cars, car
sharing). At this stage, EUR 200,000 are made available for the purchase of electric vehicles to be
used in the public domain. Accordingly, applicants from sectors serving the public interest can apply
for funds (e.g. home care or emergency services, but also taxi, rental car or car sharing companies). A
maximum amount of EUR 6,000 will be made available for the purchase of one electric vehicle. The
use of renewable electricity is obligatory. The programme applies retroactively as of 1 January 2015 to
ensure that “first movers” are not disadvantaged.
The second initiative provides funding for the establishment of charging stations for electric vehicles in
Upper Austrian municipalities. This funding program intends to promote all-electric-powered motor
vehicles and is part of the transposition of EU Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative
fuels infrastructure. The programme’s total budget for 2015 amounts to EUR 750,000.
Read more [in German]: http://www.oekonews.at/index.php?mdoc_id=1101063
EUR 23.5 million for Styrian regional trains
On 21 August 2015, Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology, Alois Stoeger, and the
Styrian State Commissioner for Transportation, Jörg Leichtfried, signed an agreement on a medium-
term investment programme for the development and the maintenance of the Styrian State Rail
(Steiermärkische Landesbahn). Between 2015 and 2019, a total of EUR 23.5 million will be
invested, of which the Federal Ministry of Transport will cover half.
The Federal Minister of Transport emphasised that the aim of the funding initiative is to provide Austria
with the best infrastructure for environmentally friendly mobility.
Read more ([in German]: http://steiermark.orf.at/news/stories/2727564/
Read more [in German]: http://www.politik.steiermark.at/cms/beitrag/12323421/121400860/
1.4 Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF)
Federal Minister Rupprechter announces that EUR five million shall be provided to the agricultural sector to compensate drought damage and initiates pilot insurance project As announced on 25 August 2015 after a meeting between Federal Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, Andrä Rupprechter, and the Federal Ministry of Finance, funds from the disaster relief fund amounting to EUR 5 million shall be made available to the agricultural sector for drought damage immediately. During the summer 2015, the heat and a lack of rainfall have caused considerable damage to the Austrian agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management will continuously assess the damage to help farmers quickly. The funds from the disaster relief fund can be doubled by the federal states. Furthermore, a pilot project has been launched to provide insurance against drought damage. The aim is to provide financial support to farmers, helping them enter into an insurance system. At this stage, funds have been made available for the project until 2018.
Read more [in German]: http://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/presse/land/150825Duerre.html
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2 Belgium
2.1 Environmental Taxation
The Federal government agrees on a “tax shift”
On 23 July 2015, the Federal Government agreed on its yearly budget and the associated “tax shift”.
This tax shift contains a few measures which will impact the Belgian energy markets including:
■ An increase of the VAT on electricity from 6% to 21% - it had been decreased by the former
government;
■ An increase of the excise duties on diesel of € 0.013 per year until 2018.
Read more [in French]: http://www.lecho.be/dossier/budget2015-
2016/Le_catalogue_des_mesures.9657567-8144.art?ckc=1&ts=1441362738
2.2 Renewable Energy
Electrabel announced new investment in wind energy
Electrabel, part of the French group Engie, announced on 16 July 2015 a new investment plan of EUR
400 million to double its wind energy capacity in Belgium. The energy producer operates nowadays 94
wind turbines spread across 26 wind parks in Belgium. This represents a capacity of 175 MW. With
this new plan Electrabel intends to reach 400 MW by 2020 by building close to 100 additional wind
turbines in the next five years.
Read more [in Dutch]: http://www.demorgen.be/wetenschap/electrabel-wil-in-vijf-jaar-meer-dan-100-
windmolens-bouwen-a2396177/
The Flemish government approved a new action plan on the sustainable management of biomass and
residue
The action plan was approved on 10 July 2015. Its objective is to set a guiding and inspiring
framework for the management of biomass and residue flows (e.g., wood, organic waste, green
waste). This action plan follows policy developments at EU level and covers three specific material
cycles: organic and biological residues from agriculture, food and consumers; residues from green and
open spaces; wood residues from industry and households. Given the importance of biomass in the
achievement of the Flemish renewable energy objectives, the action plan is aligned with the Flemish
renewable energy policy.
Read more [in Dutch]: http://www.ovam.be/actieplan-biomassarestromen-2015-2020
Read more [in Dutch]: http://www.vlaanderen.be/nl/publicaties/detail/actieplan-duurzaam-beheer-van-
biomassa-rest-stromen-2015-2020
2.3 Energy Efficiency
The Walloon government decided to revise the measures to favour energy efficiency renovation in
buildings
On 13 July 2015, the Walloon government announced a reform of the Ecopack. The Ecopack was put
in place in 2012 to support the financing of energy efficiency and renovation works through 0% loans.
This measure will stay in place but the conditions for granting financial support will change. Key
changes will include: reduction of the minimum grant amount, focus on the works eligible under the
Energy Premium, eligibility of single energy efficiency work and prolongation of the payback period. In
addition two new measures will be put in place: the Renopack which will focus on renovation works
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eligible under the Renovation Premium and support them through 0% loans; and the Accesspack
which aims to support access to property. These measures should enter into force in early 2016.
Read more [in French]: http://www.wallonie.be/fr/actualites/logement-reforme-de-lecopack-et-des-
prets-hypothecaires-sociaux
2.4 Transport
The Walloon parliament approved the new kilometre charging system for HDVs
After a long process the Walloon Parliament approved the Decree on the New Kilometre Charging
System for HDVs on 16 July 2015.
Read more [in French]: https://wallex.wallonie.be/index.php?doc=29430&rev=30955-16146&from=rss
The Walloon government approves the accompanying measures for the new kilometre charging
system for HDVs
On 9 July 2015, the Walloon Government approved a series of measures to support the sectors which
will be hit by the new kilometre charging system for HDVs (>3.5 tonnes). An accompanying committee
composed of representatives from the Walloon government and the impacted sectors will be put in
place to monitor the deployment of the kilometre charging system and identify needs for modifications.
A budget of EUR 23 million per year has been allocated for the implementation of the accompanying
measures which will take various forms: legislative, transversal (financial and non-financial) sectorial
and under the competencies of the Federal Government.
Read more [in French]: http://gouvernement.wallonie.be/communiqu-s-de-presse-relatifs-au-
gouvernement-wallon-du-jeudi-9-juillet-2015
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3 Bulgaria
3.1 Renewable Energy
Ambassadors and renewable energy producers protest against planned Energy Act amendments
On 14 July 2015, two amendments to the Bulgarian Energy Act passed their first reading in
Parliament. The bills will now be discussed in the parliamentary committees before being given final
approval by the Bulgarian Parliament. The amendments foresee the establishment of an Electricity
System Security Fund to guarantee the financial stability of Bulgaria’s energy system. The fund will be
financed from contributions of all power producers amounting to 5% of their monthly revenues. These
contributions shall compensate for the deficit at the National Electric Company (NEK) which among
others is due to the purchase of electricity under long-term contracts with renewable energy
producers. Moreover, the Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (KEVR) would be able to
retroactively set individual feed-in tariffs for renewable energy producers, if the Public Financial
Inspection Agency (PFIA) had found evidence that their actual investment costs did not correspond to
their respective feed-in tariffs.
In an open letter to Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Energy Minister Temenuzhka
Petkova, the ambassadors of Italy, South Korea, and the United States have protested against these
amendments, stating that the legislative changes “do not solve existing problems but rather create
new ones and they have to be voted down”. Furthermore, the retroactive measures will have a
“detrimental effect on the financial condition of the companies in the renewable energy sector and will
endanger investments”. Bulgarian renewable energy producers also protested against the
amendments warning that "chaos and corruption will spread throughout the sector if the current
preferential regime is scrapped”.
Meanwhile, on 9 July 2015, Bulgaria's Agriculture Minister Desislava Taneva was quoted as saying
that the European Commission had launched an infringement procedure against Bulgaria over EUR
28 million in funding for wind and solar energy producers. According to Taneva, "European
Commission experts" had found that the renewable energy producers gained unfair advantage as they
received double financing, both from the EU's Rural Development Programme and the preferential
feed-in tariffs.
Read more [in English]:
http://www.novinite.com/articles/169879/Energy+Act+Amendments+Pass+First+Reading+in+Bulgaria
%E2%80%99s+Parliament
Read more [in English]:
http://www.novinite.com/articles/169880/Three+Ambassadors+Oppose+Energy+Act+Amendments+in
+Letter+to+Bulgaria%E2%80%99s+PM
Read more [in English]:
http://www.novinite.com/articles/169758/Bulgaria's+Renewable+Energy+Producers+Warn+Against+N
ew+Planned+Fees
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4 Cyprus
4.1 Environmental Taxation
Increase of electricity tariffs in Cyprus
EAC (Electricity Authority of Cyprus) customers have been faced with increased electricity tariffs since
1 July 2015. This is basically due to the increase of the fuel clause factor by 5%. In addition, the
increase of fuel cost by 4.2% along with the imposition of the “green levy” (0.15 EUR/ KWh) have
further raised electricity tariffs. Finally, this triple increase can lead to an additional 1 EUR/ KWh to all
electricity bills. Nevertheless, EAC’s press representative, Mrs. Christina Papadopoulou announced on
4 August 2015 that electricity tariffs will be 0.57% lower in August in comparison with July due to the
decrease of fossil fuel prices.
Read more [in Greek]: http://energypress.gr/news/kypros-meiomenoi-kata-057-oi-logariasmoi-
reymatos-ton-aygoysto
Read more [in Greek]: http://www.philenews.com/el-gr/top-stories/885/265029/tripli-ayxisi-ston-
ilektrismo-apo-afto-to-mina
4.2 Renewable Energy
Cyprus government votes for a “green levy” on electricity so as to fund RES producers
On 10 July 2015, the Parliament of Cyprus has voted for the imposition of a “green levy” on all EAC
(Electricity Authority of Cyprus) customers. The “green levy” amounts to 0.15EUR/ KWh and it will be
added to the existing “RES levy” paid by all domestic costumers. This levy finances the Fund for RES
and Energy Efficiency. The imposition of this additional levy was based on the Fund’s estimations for
2015, indicating a deficit of 7.2 million EUR for 2015. 5.7 million EUR will be secured through the
imposition of the additional “green levy” while an additional 1.5 million EUR will be paid by RES
producers. It should be noted that EAC remunerates RES producers with the electricity market price
(so called avoidance cost) while the Fund subsidizes RES producers with the rest of the electricity
price agreed with EAC. Consequently, the cumulative levy will increase from 0.5 EUR/ KWh to 0.65
EUR/KWh.
Read more [in Greek]: http://energypress.gr/news/kypros-nai-apo-ti-voyli-stin-epivoli-prasinoy-teloys-
gia-tin-kalypsi-toy-elleimmatos-toy
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5 Czech Republic
5.1 Energy Efficiency
Ministry of Environment accepts new applications under Operational Programme “Environment”
On 14 August 2015, the Czech Ministry of Environment started accepting applications for support
under the Operational Programme “Environment” (OPŽP) for the 2014-2020 programming period,
through the State Environmental Fund (Státní fond životního prostředí, SFŽP). The SFŽP has
allocated a total budget for this programme of more than CZK 12 billion (EUR 450 million). Applicants
may submit their full grant applications for environmental projects under 16 separate calls which were
announced in June 2015. These calls include projects from the fields of energy efficiency, water
purification and flood control, waste and nature conservation. CZK 1.3 billion (EUR 50 million) of funds
have been allocated for projects on improving water quality and reducing flood risks, CZK 5.5 billion
(EUR 200 million) for energy efficiency projects aimed at improving air quality in human settlements,
CZK 2.4 billion (EUR 90 million) for the removal of waste and environmental liabilities as well as CZK
2.9 billion (EUR 110 million) for the protection of nature and landscape. The calls are intended for
individual projects with total project costs of no more than EUR 50 million, VAT included.
Read more [in Czech]: http://www.opzp.cz/o-programu/aktuality-a-tiskove-zpravy/operacni-program-
zivotni-prostredi-2014-2020-odstartoval-ode-dneska-je-zahajen-prijem-zadosti-na-ekologicke-projekty-
za-vice-nez-12-miliard-korun
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6 Croatia
6.1 Horizontal Measures
First National Action Plan for Green Public Procurement adopted
The government adopted on 26 August 2015 the National Action Plan for Green Public Procurement for the period of 2015 until 2017 with an outlook to 2020 (Nacionalni akcijski plan za zelenu javnu nabavu za razdoblje od 2015. do 2017. godine s pogledom do 2020. godine). The Action Plan is primarily aimed at the regulated entities from the Public Procurement Act (Zakon o javnoj nabavi, NN 090/2011).
The concept of Green Public Procurement aims to encourage public authorities to purchase goods and services, which have a less harmful impact on the environment. The focus in the Croatian Action Plan is on the procurement of office paper and office equipment, cleaning services and waste disposal, motorized vehicles, electric energy and telephone services.
Depending on the product group the document contains values of the environmental footprint regarding the total consumption of resources and energy, its effect on biodiversity, its toxicity, the air pollution (especially GHG emissions) and the waste production. These values, which are based on standards elaborated by the European Commission, ought to ensure a coherent and uniform implementation of the plan.
The Action Plan is aiming to contribute to environmental protection, a reduction of GHG emissions and the promotion of technological innovations in this field. This in turn serves the objectives of sustainable economic growth and the creation of green jobs. Mihael Zmajlović, the Minister of the Environment, pointed out that it is a widespread prejudice that public procurement would become more expensive, if these ecological criteria would be taken into account. He on the contrary, referring to an Austrian study on the experiences with regard to Green Public Procurement in the City of Vienna, expects financial savings thanks to these measures.
The Republic of Croatia concludes an annual average of 25,000 public procurement contracts worth about HRK 30 billion (approx. EUR 4 billion), which equals 12% of GDP. According to the National Action Plan, at least 50% of those contracts will have to meet the prescribed criteria on Green Public Procurement until the year 2020.
Read more [in Croatian]: http://www.mzoip.hr/hr/ministarstvo/vijesti/vlada-usvojila-prvi-nacionalni-
akcijski-plan-za-zelenu-javnu-nabavu.html
Read more [in Croatian]: http://www.mzoip.hr/hr/ministarstvo/vijesti/uvodenjem-zelene-javne-nabave-
doprinosi-se-ciscem-okolisu-i-odrzivoj-proizvodnji.html
Read more [in Croatian]:
http://mzoip.evolare.host25.com/doc/nacionalni_akcijski_plan_za_zelenu_javnu_nabavu_za_razdoblje
_od_2015__2017_s_pogledom_do_2020_godine.pdf
Read more [in Croatian]:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/gpp/pdf/news_alert/Issue51_Case_Study106_Vienna_Okokauf.pdf
6.2 Renewable Energy
Updated Study on the status of RES projects in Croatia published
On 13 August 2015, the Croatian Association for Energetics (Savez za energetiku Hrvatske) published
for the ninth time an update of the Study on the status of RES projects in Croatia (Studija o stanju
projekata obnovljivih izvora energije u Republici Hrvatskoj). The Association gathered publicly
available data of the Croatian Energy Market Operator (Hrvatski Operator Tržišta Energije - HROTE)
and worked out significant facts and developments.
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On 7 August 2015, there were 1,207 power plants based on renewable energy connected to the grid,
which amounts to 137 more than in January of this year, and the total installed capacity of renewables
amounted to 430.88 MW. Wind power plants (339.250 MW) and solar power plants (40.391 MW)
constitute the largest part, whereby HROTE concludes no more feed-in contracts for wind and solar
energy since the beginning of 2015, due to the quota for these RES already being exhausted. For the
first time, biogas (15.934 MW) and biomass (14.925 MW) power plants have surpassed the installed
capacity of co-generation plants (13.293 MW).
With respect to the concluded purchase agreements up to this point there are another 138 power
plants with a planned total capacity of 502.615 MW, of which wind (404.700 MW), solar (14.948 MW)
and biomass (56.795 MW) represent the largest part, which will go onto the network in the upcoming
months and years.
In view of the objectives in the National Action Plan on Renewable Energy Sources until the year 2020
hydro-power plants harbour the biggest potential, since the installed (1.587 MW) and the planned
(4.738 MW) capacities even combined still fall 94% below the envisaged quota of 100 MW.
Read more [in Croatian]: http://www.croenergo.eu/U-Hrvatskoj-je-u-pogonu-1207-elektrana-na-OIE-
27337.aspx
Read more [in Croatian]: http://www.hrote.hr/default.aspx?id=281
HEP and RWE established company focusing on RES
On July 1 2015, the Croatian energy supplier Hrvatska elektroprivreda (HEP) and the German energy supplier RWE jointly established a new company named “Novenerg”. This new common enterprise has its seat in Zagreb and it will first and foremost conduct a strategic analysis on the potentials for investments in the electricity production from renewable energy sources in South-Eastern European countries. Moreover, its aim is the acquisition of new business orders such as the building of waste utilization plants or the enhancement of energy efficiency in existing power plants in this European region.
The President of the Management Board of HEP, Perica Jukić, and a Board Member of REW Hrvatska, Karl Kraus, declared that this means a continuation of an advantageous economic partnership that the two companies have had for over 20 years, which best can be seen in the successful common building and operation of the thermal power plant “Plomin 2”.
Read more [in Croatian]: http://www.poslovni.hr/hrvatska/hep-i-rwe-osnovali-zajednicku-tvrtku-298368
Construction of solar plant “Medinci” begins
The Agency for Regional Development of the Virovitica-Podravina county (Agencija za regionalni razvoj Virovitičko-podravske županije – “VIDRA”) announced that the construction of the solar power plant “Medinci” in Slatina has begun on 6 July 2015. The costs of HRK 6.6 million (approx. EUR 870,000) for the power plant, which covers an area of 2.5 hectare and has a nominal capacity of 0.5 MW, were mainly borne by the Environmental Fund.
Tomislav Tolušić, the Mayor of the city of Slatina, described „Medinci“ as an exceptional project, because it tries to combine agriculture, energy production and education. The PV panels will be installed 2.5metres above the ground with a 4metre gap between each row, so that the fertile ground underneath can continuously be cultivated. The agricultural machinery will draw the needed electricity directly from a charging point connected to the power plant. The Faculty of Agricultural Studies of the University of Osijek, which is an official partner of the project, sees the solar plant as a welcomed contribution to the practical education of its agronomy students and of farmers in general.
Read more [in Croatian]: http://ravidra.hr/u-slatini-6-srpnja-zapocela-gradnja-visece-suncane-
elektrane-medinci-vrijedne-66-milijuna-kuna/
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6.3 Transport
Free-to-use charging stations opened in Zagreb
On 15 July 2015, “Podružnica Zagrebparking“ opened charging stations for electric vehicles in 5 of their car parks in Zagreb. Each of these public car parks (namely Javne Garaže Langov trg, Petrinjska, Tuškanac, Kvaternikov trg and Gorica) offers two charging points, where electric cars can be charged for free as long as the car holder payed the ordinary parking fee. As there are only around 100 registered electric vehicles in Zagreb, the demand is not expected to be overly high.
The project was co-financed by the Environmental Fund (Fond za zaštitu okoliša i zaštite – FZOEU) with 40% of the costs.
Read more [in Croatian]: http://www.zagrebparking.hr/default.aspx?id=1402
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7 Denmark
7.1 Horizontal Measures
Environmental Technology Development and Demonstration Programme open for applications
In the frame of the Environmental Technology Development and Demonstration Programme (MUDP - Miljøteknologiske Udviklings- og Demonstrationsprogram), the Ministry of the Environment is currently accepting applications for grants for projects demonstrating environmental technology solutions in the following areas:
■ Water and climate change adaptation
■ Waste prevention and recycling of resources
■ Cleaner air
■ Noise reduction
■ Reduction of the use of harmful chemicals, etc.
The so-called flagship projects should serve as a guideline for the future environmental solutions in
the areas of significant environmental importance and may help Denmark to become a pioneering
country regarding the development of competitive environmental technology solutions.
The current application round is open from 24 June 2015 until 2 October 2015.
Read more [in Danish]: http://ecoinnovation.dk/mudp-indsats-og-tilskud/finansiering-og-tilskud/mudp-
2015-sommer-fyrtaarnsopslag/
Read more [in Danish]: http://www.klimatilpasning.dk/aktuelt/nyheder/juli-2015/tilskud-til-
miljoeteknologiske-loesninger-i-fuldskala.aspx
7.2 Renewable Energy
New test scheme for offshore wind launched
On 21 July 2015, the Danish Energy Agency launched a test scheme for offshore wind power plants
with a capacity of 50 MW or more. This scheme is part of the Danish energy agreement from 2012 and
aims at developing innovative wind energy projects in order to reduce the production cost of electricity
generated from offshore wind technologies. The offshore wind turbines installed under this scheme
receive a fixed amount of DKK 0.70 per kWh (€ct 9 per kWh) for a production of 50,000 full load hours.
Applications under this test scheme can be submitted by 15 October 2015. The first commitments are
expected to be assigned by the Energy Agency by the end of 2015.
Read more [in English]: http://www.ens.dk/en/info/news-danish-energy-agency/danish-energy-agency-
opens-test-scheme-offshore-wind-technology
7.3 Transport
Introduction of inexpensive parking slots for car-sharing
On 13 August 2015, the Ministry of Transport and Building (Transport- og Bygningyministeriet) issued
a new draft decree which enables the city of Copenhagen to provide inexpensive parking slots for all
car-sharing schemes. Through this measure, a further incentive will be given to commuters in
Copenhagen to shift to environment-friendly car-sharing, including electric cars. Further purpose of the
draft is to ensure an equal-treatment of all car sharing schemes and to avoid the undue distortion of
competition in the market.
Read more [in Danish]: http://www.trm.dk/da/nyheder/2015/koebenhavns-kommune-kan-give-billig-
parkering-til-alle-delebiler
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8 Estonia
8.1 Environmental Taxation
Diesel stockpiling fee will be reduced by 14.6%
On 18 August 2015 the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communication Mr. Kristjan Michal signed a regulation reducing the diesel stockpiling fee rate. Stockpiling fee is a fee paid by the owner of fuel to cover the costs for holding of the fuel.The stockpiling fee rate will be reduced by 14.6% and will be EUR 3,5 per 1,000 litres of diesel per year.
Read more [in Estonian]: https://www.mkm.ee/et/uudised/alaneb-diislikutuse-varumakse-maar
8.2 Energy Efficiency
Ministry of the Environment is supporting energy efficiency projects
On 20 July 2015, the Minister of the Environment Mr. Marko Pomerants signed a decree to support
activities increasing energy efficiency awareness in Estonia. The programme is financed by the
European Union Regional Development Fund. Topics that are eligible for financial support are energy
intensity, innovative technologies, resource efficiency and reduction of environmental impact. The
support is aimed at mining companies as well as food and timber manufacturers.
The support is available until 2020. During the first phase EUR 80 000 will be distributed.
Read more [in Estonian]: http://www.envir.ee/et/uudised/keskkonnaministeerium-toetab-ettevotete-
tohusamaks-muutumist
8.3 Energy Networks
Balticconnector project is moving forward
On 11 August 2015 the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communication Mr. Kristjan Michal and
Finland’s Minister of Employment and the Economy Mr.Olli Rehn held a telephone conference during
which both sides agreed on the importance of the construction of the planned Balticconnector natural
gas pipeline and they agreed to continue with the project.
Balticconnector would provide larger competition on the region’s gas market and improve connections
between energy markets such as Estonia and Finland. According to the initial plan, it should be
operational by 2019.
Read more [in Estonian]: https://www.mkm.ee/et/uudised/soome-ja-eesti-ministrid-rohutasid-
balticconnectori-olulisust
Electricity distribution network will undergo a significant renovation
On 12 July 2015 the Estonian Government announced the plans to amend the Network Code
(Võrgueeskiri). According to the amendments around 10,000 electricity consumers in Tallinn must
renovate electrical systems in their houses. Tallinn has historical districts where electrical systems are
up to 85 years old. Amendments to the Network Code oblige consumers living in those historical
houses to renovate their electricity systems. In addition, distribution network operator Elektrilevi AS is
obliged to build new electricity lines to those districts over a 12-year period.
To this end, a support system will be put in place by the public financial institution Kredex. Under this
system consumers will be able to apply for a grant amounting to 30% of the renovation costs.
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Read more [in Estonian]: https://www.mkm.ee/et/uudised/valitsus-arutab-vanade-elektrisusteemide-
uuendamist
8.4 Transport
City of Tartu will receive only biogas-driven public transport
On 13 August 2015 the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication, the City of Tartu and the
Environmental Investment Centre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to
support the use of biomethane in public transport. According to the MoU, the City of Tartu will use only
biomethane fuelled buses. This shall develop a new market for locally produced biogas and provide
cleaner air in the city.
The estimated amount of gas needed is around 2.4 million cubic meters. To increase the use of
biomethane for public transport the Government will provide financial support for the City of Tartu. The
amount of the support is yet unknown.
Read more [in Estonian]: https://www.mkm.ee/et/uudised/tartu-saamas-esimeseks-taielikult-
biometaanbusse-kasutavaks-linnaks-eestis
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9 Finland
9.1 Specific energy challenges
New regulation on wind energy noise levels
On 28 August 2015, the Government approved regulation on wind energy noise (Valtioneuvoston
asetus tuulivoimaloiden ulkomelusta). The purpose of the regulation is to set boundaries between wind
energy generators and local inhabitants. The regulation makes sure that the wind turbines are not built
too close to peoples’ homes or other facilities, to avoid health impacts. The new regulation makes it
easier for wind project developers and local governments to decide on the location of the wind farms.
It also establishes noise limits. Thus for example during the daytime, wind turbines are not allowed to
exceed a noise level of 45 decibel near living areas, vacation areas, nursing homes or camping areas.
During the night at the same locations, wind turbines must not exceed noise levels of 40 decibel. The
Regulation will come in force on 1 September 2015.
Read more [in Finnish]: http://www.ym.fi/fi-
FI/Ajankohtaista/Tiedotteet/Tuulivoiman_ulkomelulle_ohjearvot(35401)
Hydroelectric power stations are producing more electricity than usually
Based on data, published by the sector organisation for the industrial and labour market policy of the
energy sector Finnish Energy (Energiateollisuus ry) on 22 July 2015, due to the increase in
hydropower Finland produced a record amount of renewable energy within the first six months of
2015. Hydroelectricity production in Finland increased by around 30% compared to 2014 and by 60%
compared to 2013. In June 2015 hydropower covered 29% of the country’s total electricity demand.
In addition, wind power generation has tripled in June 2015 compared to June 2014 as a result of
strong winds and newly installed wind farms. Wind energy accounted for 2.7% in the country’s total
electricity consumption in June 2015.
Read more [in Finnish]: http://www.energiauutiset.fi/uutiset/sateet-kasvattavat-vesivoimatuotantoa.html
9.2 Environmental Taxation
Real estate tax of power plants will face a rise
The central government led by the Prime Minister Sipilä is planning to raise the tax income of local
governments by EUR 100 million annually. As part of the tax income increase plan the real estate tax
for power plants shall be increased. The tax increase regulation has already been drafted and has
been sent to the ministeries for their contributions. Currently, the real estate tax collected from power
plants amounts to EUR 57 million per year. After the planned tax increase over EUR 66 million is
expected to be collected, which is EUR 9 million more. 60 % of the tax will come from hydroelectric
power plants and 20% from nuclear power plants. The increased real estate tax is expected to come
in force in 2016.
Read more [in Finnish]: http://www.energiauutiset.fi/uutiset/voimalaitosten-kiinteistoveroa-aiotaan-
korottaa.html
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10 France
10.1 Overarching Measures
Energy Transition Act adopted
On 18 August 2015, the Energy Transition Act was published in the Official Journal. The legislative
process took more than a year with several rounds in the General Assembly and the Senate and 970
amendments on the original draft before being finally adopted on 22 July 2015. A number of
provisions were subsequently brought before the Constitutional Council. The Council declared that
four provisions (concerning food waste and on energy refurbishment of buildings) were acting against
the Constitution but validated the remaining provisions brought to its attention, including those on the
main objectives of the Act.
The Act establishes the following objectives:
■ Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 from 1990 levels
■ Achieve a share of 32% of renewable energy in 2030
■ Halve the energy consumption by 2050
■ Reduce the share of nuclear energy in the electricity mix to 50%, reaching a baseline of 63.2 GW
of production capacity
The Act also establishes the basis for a new Low Carbon Strategy that will be adopted by decree.
Furthermore, the Act provides specific measures covering building sector, clean transport, renewable
energies, nuclear safety, and the circular economy. In a last minute effort, the political parties also
agreed to amend the level of the carbon tax, which was introduced in 2014, from €14.60 to €100 per
tonne CO2 in 2030 (subject to ratification in the annual budget). The interim objective is to reach a rate
of €56 in 2020.
The Ministry for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy has taken immediate action to
implement the Act given that 50 provisions are immediately applicable. The remaining provisions will
enter into force from 1 January 2016. The Ministry announced that half of the implementation
measures have been drafted and are ready to go into consultation with a view to be published in the
coming six months. The first three carbon budgets (2015-2018; 2019-2023; and 2024-2028) are
expected to be published in autumn 2015.
Text of the Act [in French]:
http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000031044385&dateTexte=&catego
rieLien=id
Read more [in French]: http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/La-loi-de-transition-
energetique,44360.html’
Read more [in French]: http://www.lemonde.fr/paris-climat-2015/article/2015/08/13/le-conseil-
constitutionnel-valide-la-loi-sur-la-transition-energetique_4724211_4527432.html
Read more (in English): http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/opinion/2424079/why-frances-new-energy-
and-green-growth-law-is-a-big-deal
Ministry for Ecology launches public consultations on draft Low Carbon Strategy
The new Energy Transition Act sets out targets to reduce GHG emissions by 40% until 2030 and by
75% until 2050 from 1990 levels. On 1 September 2015, the Ministry launched public consultations
(open until 22 September 2015) to elaborate one of the central pillars to implement these target, the
National Low-Carbon Strategy. The draft strategy aims to put emissions reductions at the heart of
economic decisions and to re-orientate investments in favour of the energy transition. It sets out
emissions reduction targets for each sector (transport, buildings, agriculture and forestry, industry,
energy and waste) for the medium (2028) and long term (2050). For instance, the strategy provides for
an almost complete decarbonisation (-96%) of the energy sector by 2050, a 75% reduction in the
transport sector and a 87% reduction in the building sector. The draft strategy also presents measures
with which these targets are to be achieved.
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Read more [in French]: http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/Segolene-Royal-met-en-
consultation,44525.html
10.2 Renewable Energy
Ministry for Ecology postpones multi-annual energy plan
On 10 July 2015, the Ministry for Ecology successfully introduced an amendment to the (then draft)
Energy Transition Act which postponed the publication of the multi-annual energy plan 2015-2018
from 31 December 2015 to the next year. The Act now only specifies that consultations on the plan
need to be completed by 31 December 2015 and that the first period will terminate in 2018, without
providing a start date. In March 2015, the Ministry had already established a Committee mandated to
draft a plan by June 2015 that would set out the share of different energy sources for each year.
However, the Committee has not delivered yet. A number of NGOs have criticised the delay of the
plan stating that the publication of the plan is an important signal to show that the Act is not only empty
words.
Read more [in French]: http://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/programmation-pluriannuelle-
energie-repoussee-2016-24970.php4#xtor=EPR-1
Read more (in French): http://www.liberation.fr/economie/2015/07/22/anne-bringault-sur-la-transition-
energetique-le-plus-gros-reste-a-faire_1351585
Ministry for Ecology accelerates promotion of renewable energy projects
The new Energy Transition Act establishes the objective of reaching a share of RES in the electricity
mix of 40% by 2030. On 30 August 2015, the Ministry for Ecology published a decree which increases
the interim target for installed RES capacity in 2020 from 5400 MW to 8000 MW, in order to achieve
the 2030 target.
The new Energy Transition Act also contains measures, valid from 1 January 2016, to simplify
procedures for wind energy projects. On 8 July 2015, public consultations were launched on a decree
which aims to simplify administrative procedures for offshore wind projects. On 20 July 2015, the
Ministry for Ecology appointed four zones for the construction of pilot offshore wind energy projects.
Three of these zones are located in the Mediterranean Sea and one in the Atlantic Sea. On 11 August
2015, the Ministry launched under the “Investment for the Future Programme” (programme
d’Investissements d’Avenir) three new calls for tenders for offshore wind energy, innovation in marine
and hydro energy, and projects on energy storage and conversion. On 31 August 2015, the Ministry
also doubled the capacity under two standing calls for tenders on photovoltaics (originally published in
March 2015 and November 2015) from 120MW to 240 MW and from 400MW to 800MW respectively.
Read more [in French]: http://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/energies-marines-renouvelables-
developpement-simplification-projet-decret-24922.php4#xtor=EPR-1
Read more [in French]: http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/Energies-renouvelables-3-
nouveaux,44279.html?var_mode=calcul
Read more [in French]: http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/Soutien-a-l-energie-
photovoltaique,44523.html
Read more [in French]: http://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/appel-projets-stockage-chaleur-
electricite-conversion-hydrogene-co2-25069.php4#xtor=EPR-1
Read more [in French]: http://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/eoliens-flottants-quatre-zones-
propices-developpement-fermes-pilotes-25007.php4#info&xtor=EPR-1
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10.3 Transport
Ministry for Ecology takes measures to promote safety of cyclists and pedestrians
On 4 July 2015, the Ministry for Ecology published a decree which amends road circulation regulations
to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. The measures include the following:
■ Increased sanctions for parking motor vehicles on pavements and cycling paths (from EUR 38 to
EUR 150)
■ Prohibition to park in a distance of 5 meters from pedestrian crossings to increase visibility
■ Cyclists are allowed to move away from the right side of the road to avoid opening doors
■ Allows cycling in both directions on streets with a maximum speed limit of 30km/h
Some parts of the decree entered into force on 5 July 2015, but the new rules on cycling do not enter
into force until 1 January 2016.
The decree adds to provisions aimed at promoting cycling which are contained in the new Energy
Transition Act: a tax reduction for companies that provide free bicycles to their employees and a
kilometre-based compensation scheme for the use of bicycles.
Read more [in French]: http://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/code-route-cyclistes-pietons-
double-sens-amendes-24905.php4#xtor=EPR-1
First traffic restriction zone established in Paris
As of 1 September 2015, the first traffic restriction zones have been established in Paris. This action is
based on Article 49 of the Energy Transition Act which empowers mayors to restrict the circulation of
highly polluting vehicles during certain time periods. Paris is the first city to apply this new provision.
HGVs, cars and buses registered before 1 October 2001 („catégorie 1 étoile“) are no longer allowed to
circulate in the city of Paris between 8am and 8pm. The restriction will be extended to other vehicle
classes in summer 2016.
Paris has also taken accompanying measures like discounts on annual public transport tickets, annual
subscriptions to the Paris bike sharing system or car sharing systems.
Read more [in French]: http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/Premiere-application-de-la-loi-
de,44519.html
Read more [in French]: http://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/premieres-restrictions-
circulation-paris-1er-septembre-25159.php4
Read more [in French]: http://www.lemonde.fr/pollution/article/2015/06/25/paris-veut-engager-20-
millions-d-euros-pour-lutter-contre-la-pollution_4661187_1652666.html
10.4 Waste
Ministry for Ecology launches public consultation on waste and circular economy
On 6 August 2015, the Ministry for Ecology launched public consultations (open until 6 September
2015) on a decree which implements provisions on waste and the circular economy under the new
Energy Transition Act. The proposed decree contains measures on the following subjects:
■ Modalities for the collection of household waste
■ Sorting of waste and separate collection
■ Signalling of chemicals that could pose a risk to human health
■ Prohibition of plastic bags for single use
■ Electric and electronic waste
■ Obligation for distributors to take back waste
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Read more [in French]: http://www.consultations-publiques.developpement-
durable.gouv.fr/consultation-sur-le-decret-relatif-a-la-promotion-a1075.html
French food retailers agree on voluntary commitment to reduce food waste
On 27 August 2015, the majority of large supermarket chains signed a voluntary pledge to reduce food
waste. The new Energy Transition Act originally contained measures that would have banned French
supermarkets from destroying or disposing of unused edible food, with high penalties applying. But the
Constitutional Council cancelled this provision due to procedural reasons. The Minister for Ecology,
Ms. Segolene Royale, gathered representatives of large retailers to discuss voluntary measures
instead. A number of retailers signed a voluntary agreement with the Ministry not to destroy leftover
food and to voluntarily donate it to charities. The undersigning parties also agreed to jointly define
indicators of progress.
On 17 August 2015, a group of parliamentarians also introduced a proposal for a new act on food
waste.
Read the agreement [in French]: http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/document155642.
Read more [in French]: http://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/gaspillage-alimentaire-grande-
distribution-convention-engagement-volontaire-25152.php4#xtor=EPR-1
Read the proposal for an act [in French]: http://www.senat.fr/leg/ppl14-663.html
Read more [in French]: http://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/gaspillage-alimentaire-
proposition-loi-25098.php4#xtor=EPR-1
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11 Germany
11.1 Specific Energy Challenges
Government agreement on energy policy reached to close 2020 CO2 emissions gap and continue the
energy transition
On 1 July 2015, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel announced the
government agreement on energy policy. To achieve the national target of 40 % reductions of
greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 in comparison to 1990, Germany is still facing a gap of 22 mt of
CO2 emissions. The agreement now puts forward a mix of measures in the energy sector meant to
result in the needed reductions.
■ Lignite power station units with a total capacity of 2.7 GW (or 13% of installed lignite capacity) are
to be gradually shifted into a capacity reserve and then closed down after four years. In addition to
the capacity reserve, the lignite industry agrees to provide - if necessary - an additional reduction
of 1.5 mt of CO2 a year from 2018. The legal form in which this commitment will be cast has yet to
be decided. The target attainment in the context of the capacity reserve and the implementation of
the commitment by the lignite industry will be reviewed in the context of monitoring in 2018.
■ A reform of the CHP Act means that cogeneration of heat and power will contribute a further
reduction of 4 mt of CO2. The government will promote the replacement of existing coal-fired CHP
installations with gas-fired CHP, as well as new installations with an increase in funding from EUR
0.5 billion to EUR 1.5 billion per year.
■ The remaining 5.5 mt of CO2 will be attained from 2016 via efficiency measures in the building
sector, in municipalities, in industry and in the railway sector, and will be supported with public
funding of up to EUR 1.16 billion a year until 2020 from the Energy and Climate Fund.
Furthermore, the issue of local acceptance for grid infrastructure expansion projects is addressed by
the decision to give underground cables the priority over overhead power lines in the case of new DC
routes.
Regarding the financial reserves for nuclear power, energy utilities are responsible for bearing the
costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants and disposition of the radioactive waste. The
government agreed to ensure that the utilities remain capable of implementing these obligations in the
future. In a first step, a stress test is planned to be carried out to assess the existing financial reserves.
In a second step, legislation will be adopted before the end of 2015 to counteract any possible
reductions in the assets held to meet liabilities. Finally, a commission to draft recommendations will be
set up by the end of November 2015 showing how the funding for the dismantling and disposal of the
radioactive waste can be secured.
Read more [in English]: http://www.bmwi.de/EN/Press/press-releases,did=718600.html
Read more [in German]: http://www.bmwi.de/BMWi/Redaktion/PDF/E/eckpunkte-
energiewende,property=pdf,bereich=bmwi2012,sprache=en,rwb=true.pdf
White paper on electricity market transformation published
On 3 July 2015, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy published the White Paper "An
electricity market for the energy transition". The Ministry clearly advocates a further development of
the electricity market to become a so called electricity market 2.0, and argues against the introduction
of a capacity market. In the electricity market 2.0, all necessary capacities are remunerated via
electricity prices as a result of market mechanisms. Opposed to this, in a capacity market additional
incentives would be created for plant owners or demand response providers through payments for
keeping capacities available.
The electricity market 2.0 is expected to ensure being cheaper than a capacity market, while at the
same time creating incentives for innovation, as well as permitting high proportions of renewable
energy to be integrated into the market. It is also said to fit well into the European internal
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market."Taking a "belt and braces approach", a capacity reserve safeguards the electricity market 2.0,
but is not allowed to participate in the market.
The White Paper is the outcome of a broad and transparent discussion process in Germany and with
its European neighbors. In October 2014, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
published a Green Paper and invited comments from the public (only in German) over a four-month
period. Some 700 comments from authorities, associations, trade unions, companies and private
individuals were received, and were fed into the White Paper. It contains the principles for 20
measures implementing the electricity market 2.0, such as:
■ Guaranteeing free price formation: The principle of free pricing in electricity trading is to be
anchored in the Energy Industry Act. Prices send important information to the market players.
They are the only way to show how scarce electricity is at any time.
■ Monitoring security of supply: An ongoing monitoring process will use the latest methods to see
whether the supply actually is secure.
■ Introducing a capacity reserve: This will safeguard the electricity supply against unforeseeable
events.
■ Developing the balancing capacity markets further: In order to keep the system stable at all times
and to offset erroneous forecasts, the transmission system operators use balancing capacity. More
providers are now to receive access to the balancing capacity markets. This increases competition
on these markets and thus reduces costs.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy will discuss the White Paper with the relevant
stakeholders directly following the summer break in the context of the Electricity Market Platform.
The White Paper will be followed by the enactment of legislation. The bill for the Electricity Market Act
is due to be approved by the Cabinet in October. The relevant legislative process is to be completed in
spring 2016.
Read more [in English]: http://www.bmwi.de/EN/Press/press-releases,did=719344.html
11.2 Energy Efficiency
KfW support programme for energy-efficient refurbishments of residential buildings improved
From 1 August 2015, the German development bank Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) is
introducing further improvements to the funding available for its "Energy-efficient refurbishment"
programme. The programme conditions already had been improved from 1 January 2015.
Anyone who improves the energy performance of their house or flat will be entitled to receive better
funding, in the form of low-interest loans or investment grants.
In the loan-based model, the maximum loan available for retrofitting to meet the standards of a "KfW
Energy Efficiency House" is increasing to EUR 100,000. Further to this, all the grants towards
repayments are being raised by 5 percentage points. This means that the maximum grant towards
repayments, for example, is going up from 22.5% to 27.5%.
Further to this, the conditions for investment grants are also being made more attractive. People using
their own money to pay for retrofitting will in future be able to receive an investment grant of up to EUR
30,000 for an apartment or up to EUR 60,000 for a two-family house.
The "Energy-efficient refurbishment" programme of KfW is part of the CO2 Building Renovation
Programme, which is currently providing about EUR 1.8 billion to promote energy efficiency measures
in the building stock.
Read more [in English]: http://www.bmwi.de/EN/Press/press-releases,did=721614.html
Read more [in English]: http://www.bmwi.de/EN/Topics/Energy/Buildings/co2-building-
renovation,did=686650.html
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More support for municipalities and businesses for energy-efficient construction measures
From 1 July 2015, municipalities and businesses will receive greater support for energy-efficient
construction measures. The KfW Bankengruppe has been commissioned by the Federal Ministry of
Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) to increase the support for energy-efficient rehabilitation of non-
residential buildings and energy-efficient construction of new non-residential buildings. The funding is
part of the CO2 Building Renovation Programme.
Currently, the approximately 1.7 million German non-residential buildings (e.g. schools, production
halls and office complexes) consume a high amount of energy. For that reason, further efficiency
improvements in buildings are required - not only in residential buildings, but also in commercial
buildings and community facilities.
Businesses and municipalities will benefit from low interest rates as well as grants of up to 17.5%
when they upgrade their buildings to the level of a KfW-defined efficiency house or implement certain
individual renovation measures. The primary objective is to increase energy efficiency.
Read more [in German]: http://www.bmwi-
energiewende.de/EWD/Redaktion/Newsletter/2015/6/Meldung/gebaeudesanierung-mehr-
unterstuetzung-fuer-kommunen.html;jsessionid=7C1B8D071D7D8CFB3F5EBB96E1B0047B
New efficiency label for old boilers provides information about energy efficiency
On 12 August 2015, the Federal Cabinet adopted the legal basis for the implementation of the
"national energy-efficiency label for old heating installations". The new efficiency label will apply as
from 1 January 2016 to boilers that are more than 15 years old. It informs consumers free of charge
about the individual efficiency status of their boilers. Apart from the information on the energy-
efficiency label, advice is provided to consumers on further energy consulting services such as heating
checks, on-site consulting and funding provided by the KfW or the Federal Office for Economic Affairs
and Export Control (BAFA). The efficiency label uses a color-coded scale, which is already common in
the field of household appliances, and has proved to be an effective instrument of consumer
information.
On average, boilers in Germany are 17.6 years old with more than one third (36%) being more than 20
years old. More than 70% of the heaters installed would attain only efficiency classes C, D or E. This is
where the potential for efficiency enhancement is particularly great. However, only about 3 per cent of
the heating systems are currently being replaced by new ones. The efficiency label and the reference
to existing advice and support programmes aim to better inform consumers about the condition of their
heating systems and to provide incentives to replace them. The replacement rate for boilers is
expected to rise as a consequence by about 20 per cent annually.
As from 2016, heating installers, chimney sweepers and selected energy consultants will be entitled to
attach labels to old heaters. As from 2017, district chimney sweepers must attach labels to boilers to
which a label has not yet been assigned.
Almost 40% of total energy in Germany is consumed in buildings, with heating accounting for the
largest individual portion.
Read more [in English]: http://www.bmwi.de/EN/Press/press-releases,did=722842.html
Read more [in German]: http://www.bmwi.de/BMWi/Redaktion/PDF/Gesetz/entwurf-eines-ersten-
gesetzes-zur-aenderung-des-
energieverbrauchskennzeichnungsgesetzes,property=pdf,bereich=bmwi2012,sprache=de,rwb=true.pd
f
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11.3 Renewable Energy
German government publishes key issue paper on tendering as a support mechanism for renewable
energy
On 31 July 2015 the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) published a key issue
paper on tendering as a support mechanism for renewable energy, which is planned to be used as the
main support scheme for renewable electricity from 2017 onwards.
The presented corner stones of the scheme address the following targets:
■ The renewable electricity technology deployment corridors introduced in the 2014 changes to the
Renewable Energy Act have to be complied with
■ The tendering scheme should improve competition and limit costs
■ The diversity of investors shall be remained
The tendering schemes will be designed differently for the various renewable electricity technologies.
The focus of the key issue paper lies on wind onshore, wind offshore and solar energy, as these will
contribute the largest shares to reach the German renewable energy deployment targets.
The paper is now open for public consultation. The related legislative process is expected to be
completed in 2016.
Read more [in German]: http://www.bmwi.de/DE/Presse/pressemitteilungen,did=721512.html
Read more (in German): http://www.bmwi.de/BMWi/Redaktion/PDF/Publikationen/ausschreibungen-
foerderung-erneuerbare-energien-anlage,property=pdf,bereich=bmwi2012,sprache=de,rwb=true.pdf
Winners of the second ground-mounted PV tender announced
On 13 August 2015, the Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and
Railway (Bundesnetzagentur) approved 33 applications with a total of 159,735 kW in the frame of the
tendering for ground-mounted photovoltaic installations.
In total the Agency received 136 bids with a volume of 558 MW. The tendered volume was 150 MW.
Especially multi-project investors were successful with their bids. However, also a small civil law
company will receive funding.
In contrast to the first tender, which used pay-as-bid, meaning every accepted bidder received a
contract for his offer, the second tender uses uniform-pricing. Here, the price offer of the last accepted
bidder (the highest price offer accepted) will be granted to all accepted bids. This is part of a test to
assess different tendering options, to be included in the development of tendering schemes for other
technologies.
The final price will be published after 1 September 2015.
15 bids had to be excluded due to individual mistakes, such as the use of old forms or provision of
insufficient collateral.
Read more [in German]:
http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/cln_1412/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/DE/2015/150813_PV-
Ausschreibung_Zweite_Runde.html;jsessionid=3482E5A7D2BE1BD44C6B750432A4AB7F?nn=2657
94
Read more [in German]: www.bnetza.de/ffav15-2
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11.4 Energy Networks
Underground cables given priority in national transmission grid expansion as part of the government
agreement on energy policy
As part of the government agreement on energy policy announced on 1 July 2015 by the Federal
Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel, it was decided that underground cables will
be given priority over overhead power lines in the case of new DC routes.
The expansion of the power grid is often mentioned as bottleneck holding back the energy transition,
as new power lines are planned to transmit electricity, particularly from the North of Germany to the
South. Opposition from local citizens, as well as politicians had slowed down the installation of new
grid infrastructure.
Read more [in English]: http://www.bmwi.de/EN/Press/press-releases,did=718600.html
Read more [in German]: http://www.bmwi.de/BMWi/Redaktion/PDF/E/eckpunkte-
energiewende,property=pdf,bereich=bmwi2012,sprache=en,rwb=true.pdf
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12 Greece
12.1 Overarching Measures
Auctions of EU-ETS allowances during the trimester April-June 2015 raised over EUR 46 million
According to a press release by the Ministry of Reconstruction of Production, Environment and Energy
on 10 August 2015, Greece has succeeded in raising more than EUR 46 million from the auctions of
the EU ETS (European Union Emissions Trading Scheme) allowances during the period April-June
2015. More specifically, 34 ΕUA (European Union Allowances) auctions took place, where more than
6 million EUAs have been distributed with a mean price of EUR 7.3 / EUA (total amount EUR 45.6
million). Apart from that, 152.000 ΕUAΑs (European Union Aviation Allowances) have also been
auctioned with a mean price of EUR 6.94 / EUAA (total amount EUR 1 million).
Read more [in Greek]: http://www.ypeka.gr/Default.aspx?tabid=389&sni[524]=3916&language=el-GR
12.2 Specific Energy Challenges
Appointment of the new Minister of Reconstruction of Production, Environment and Energy
On 20 July 2015, Mr. Panos Skourletis was appointed Minister of Reconstruction of Production,
Environment and Energy, replacing the Mr. Panagiotis Lafazanis. Mr. Panagiotis Lafazanis welcomed
his colleague and underlined what was achieved during his term such as the agreement on the
construction of the “South European Pipeline”. Mr. Panos Skourletis noted that the guidelines of the
Ministry remain the same, i.e. the reconstruction of production and economic growth. However, the
term of Mr. Skourletis did not last long as new elections have been announced for 20 September 2015
and on 28 August 2015 he was replaced by Mr. Socratis Golias, Member of the Interim Government.
Read more [in Greek]: http://www.ypeka.gr/Default.aspx?tabid=389&sni[524]=3874&language=el-GR
Read more [in Greek]: http://www.ypeka.gr/Default.aspx?tabid=389&sni[524]=3937&language=el-GR
Read more [in English]: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/27/first-female-prime-minister-for-
greece-announced
Provisions of the new MoU between Greece and its creditors concerning energy policy
After months of negotiations Greece has succeeded in securing a third Greek bailout on 19 August
2015. The new detailed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Greece and its creditors also
contains certain provisions concerning energy policy. More specifically, natural gas market
liberalisation will be initiated in 2016 and is aimed to be completed by 2018. Current natural gas
monopolies are expected to be abolished, while the operations of the existing natural gas supply
companies are foreseen to be legally and operationally divided (natural gas supply/ trading and
operation of the natural gas system). In addition, the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator
(DESFA) will be privatised as it was agreed with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR). For
that reason, a solution is investigated so as to avoid the establishment of a monopoly in the gas
transmission system. SOCAR has acquired 66% of the company so it is expected that 17% of its
share should be given through divestment to the Greek State or to another interested buyer. As far as
the electricity market is concerned, no concrete provisions concerning the liberalisation of the
Transmission System Operator (DESMIE) as well as the sale of approximately 30% of the production
capacity of the Public Power Corporation S.A. (PPC S.A.), the dominant electricity supplier in Greece
to private investors (known as “small PPC), are included. Nevertheless, it is stated that by 2020, no
participant to the Greek electricity market should supply more than 50% of the total electricity fed into
the grid annually. Apart from that, the Asset Development Plan (ADP), that contains the scheduled
privatisations and is part of the new MoU, contains certain provisions concerning PPC S.A.
(prospective sale of 17% of its shares) and Hellenic Petroleum S.A. (HELPE S.A.-prospective sale of
35% of its shares).
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Read more [in Greek]: http://www.protothema.gr/economy/article/500009/energeia-oute-lexi-gia-dei-
sto-neo-mnimonio-ti-allazei-gia-fusiko-aerio/
Read more [in Greek]: http://energypress.gr/news/polisi-toy-17-tis-dei-pithanon-2016-provlepei-
parartima-toy-mnimonioy
Read more [in Greek]: http://energypress.gr/news/pote-tha-mathoyme-tha-paroyn-dromo-tis-
idiotikopoiisis-dei-depa-kai-elpe
12.3 Environmental Taxation
New Price Policy of PPC S.A. for customers of low and medium voltage
On 28 August 2015, Public Power Corporation S.A. (PPC S.A.) has announced its new pricing policy
for low and medium voltage customers. More specifically, a new, more attractive tariff structure is
offered to industrial and to commercial customers. Apart from that, a bonus will be offered to domestic
consumers that will pay off their obligations timely in 2015. This means that for 2016, those customers
will be awarded with the double value of the fixed fee that it is imposed on all electricity bills. The
bonus ranges between EUR 10 to almost EUR 40 annually (aggregate amount for PPC S.A: EUR 30
million).
Read more [in Greek]: https://www.dei.gr/el/i-dei/kentro-tupou/deltia-tupou/deltia-tupou-2015/august-
2015/nea-emporiki-politiki-me-simantika-ofeli-kai-epiva
Read more [in Greek]: http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=22770&subid=2&pubid=64240489
12.4 Renewable Energy
Minister of Reconstruction of Production, Environment and Energy signs the support of 10 projects by
the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism
On 11 August 2015, the Minister of Reconstruction of Production, Environment and Energy, Mr.Panos
Skourletis has approved the realisation of 10 projects that will be financed by the European Economic
Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism (EEA Grants). The projects have a cumulative budget that amounts
to EUR 12.8 million and will focus on the installation of renewable energy (RES) in public buildings
(local administration buildings, hospitals and universities). Those projects are expected to be finalised
until 30 April 2017. The managing authority will be the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources (CRES).
Read more [in Greek]: http://www.ypeka.gr/Default.aspx?tabid=389&sni[524]=3920&language=el-GR
Greek Electricity Market Operator (LAGIE) redeems RES producers for February- April 2015
LAGIE announced on late August 2015 that it continues to redeem RES producers for April 2015. It
should be noted that LAGIE is the responsible authority for paying off the FiT (Feed In Tariff) to RES
producers. In July 2015, LAGIE succeeded in redeeming all RES producers for February and March
2015. Finally, LAGIE has redeemed more than 90% of the total installed capacity for April 2015.
Read more [Greek]: http://www.lagie.gr/anakoinoseis/anakoinoseis/anakoinosi/article/1128/
Read more [Greek]: http://www.lagie.gr/anakoinoseis/anakoinoseis/anakoinosi/article/1127/
Read more [Greek]: http://www.lagie.gr/anakoinoseis/anakoinoseis/anakoinosi/article/1126/
Increase of he installed capacity of wind power in July 2015
According to the latest monthly RES report of LAGIE, published on 25 August 2015, a small increase
regarding the RES cumulative installed capacity has been observed. More specifically, 1,767.07 MW
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of wind parks are currently connected to the grid (1,750.92 MW as of June 2015). Apart from that, all
other RES remained at stable level.
Read more [Greek]: http://www.lagie.gr/fileadmin/groups/EDRETH/RES/2015_07_RES.pdf
Public consultation on power purchase agreements in non-interconnected islands initiates
On 28 August 2015, the Greek Regulatory Authority on Energy (RAE) has initiated the public
consultation on the power purchase agreements for biomass and biogas plants in non-interconnected
islands. More specifically, the public consultation concerns the form of the power purchase
agreements in small islands of the Aegean Sea. Public consultation ends on 16 September and its
results will be taken into consideration so as RAE can compose its respective report that will be
addressed to the Deputy Minister of Reconstruction of Production, Environment and Energy.
Read more [in Greek]:
http://www.rae.gr/categories_new/about_rae/activity/global_consultation/current/280815.csp
12.5 Waste
Revised National Waste Management Plan published after the final consultation
On 30 July 2015, the Deputy Minister of Reconstruction of Production, Environment and Energy, Mr.
Ioannis Tsironis, has presented the revised National Waste Management Plan. The Plan aims at
introducing model modern and environmentally friendly waste management. More specifically, the new
National Waste Management Plan aims at reducing the per capita waste production. In addition, 50%
of urban waste is aimed to be recycled and reused until 2020. Apart from that, energy production from
waste should be regarded as the second-best option while landfill disposal should be seen as the last
possible option. For this reason, landfill disposal of urban waste should be minimised to 30%. The
Waste management plan also includes provisions on industrial and agricultural waste. Further actions
for the implementation of the new National Waste Management Plan are also foreseen such as the
composition of Regional Waste Management Plans, the respective harmonisation of the national
legislation as well as an effective stakeholder engagement.
Read more [in Greek]: http://www.ypeka.gr/Default.aspx?tabid=389&sni[524]=3901&language=el-GR
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13 Hungary
13.1 Energy Efficiency
New subsidy programme to be launched in spring 2016 for improving energy efficiency in private
houses
On 5 August 2015, the Minister of State for Development and Climate Policy, Zsolt Szabó, announced
a new subsidy programme for improving energy efficiency in private houses to be launched in spring
2016. With a budget of HUF 150 billion (approx. EUR 479 million) up to 3 million modernisation
projects could be realised. Eligible measures are thermal insulation of the house, the modernisation of
the electrical system. 40% of the investment costs will be subsidised by the programme. In this way,
the programme also supports the local economy, especially handicraft businesses.
Read more [in Hungarian]: http://www.kormany.hu/hu/nemzeti-fejlesztesi-miniszterium/fejlesztes-es-
klimapolitikaert-valamint-kiemelt-kozszolgaltatasokert-felelos-allamtitkarsag/hirek/tavasztol-palyazni-
lehet-a-regi-csaladi-hazak-felujitasanak-tamogatasara
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14 Ireland
14.1 Energy Efficiency
The Irish Post signed up to a partnerships with the Sustainable Energy Authority to improve energy
efficiency and cut emissions
In July 2015, the publicly-owned postal services provider, An Post, adhered to a partnership with the
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to achieve a 33 per cent energy savings target by
2020.
Energy efficiency partnerships with public organisations are being promoted by the SEAI to support
energy savings initiatives that involve cost cuts and reductions in GHG emissions. Through the
partnerships, public sector organisations take a leading role in promoting energy efficiency by
showcasing success stories. As of July 2015, 68 public organisations had signed agreements with
SEAI.
Read more [in English]: http://www.seai.ie/News_Events/Press_Releases/2015/An-Post-Delivers-10-
Energy-Efficiency-Savings.html
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15 Italy
15.1 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Friuli Venezia Giulia Region allocated funds to promote energy efficiency in public lighting.
The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region allocated funds to promote energy efficiency in public lighting. The
measure is part of the broader activity ‘Sostenibilità energetica - Linea d'intervento 2 - Promozione ed
efficienza energetica per i Comuni’ under the Regional Operational Program POR FESR 2007-2013
(Energy sustainability – Lines of intervention 2 ‘Promoting energy efficiency in municipalities’). The
amount allocated is about 1.2 million EUR.
Read more (in Italian): http://www.qualenergia.it/articoli/20150706-friuli-venezia-giulia-un-altro-milione-
di-euro-per-illuminazione-pubblica-efficiente
Lombardy region allocated grants to energy improvements in public buildings
The Lombardy region allocated 7 million EUR to energy improvement interventions in public buildings
for small municipalities with less than 1000 inhabitants. The grant covers up to 90% of the total cost of
the intervention. The measure is part of the Programma Energetico Ambientale Regionale (Regional
Energy and Environmental Programme) which allocates in total 225 million EUR to measures related
to energy savings and the environment by 2020.
Read more (in Italian): http://www.qualenergia.it/articoli/20150728-efficienza-edilizia-pubblica-7-milioni-
per-piccoli-comuni-lombardia
Umbria region allocates 2 million EUR to promote investments in energy efficiency and renewables
The measure, called ‘Sostegno agli investimenti per l’efficienza energetica e l’utilizzo delle fonti di
energia rinnovabile‘ (Support to investments in energy efficiency and renewable resources) allocates 2
million EUR to private companies for investments in energy efficiency and the deployment of
renewable energies.
Read more (in Italian):
http://www.qualenergia.it/sites/default/files/articolodoc/Bando_Efficienza_Rinnovabili_imprese_Umbria.
Molise region allocates 4 million EUR to interventions in energy efficiency
The purpose of the fund is to support energy efficiency improvements in public buildings. The measure
is part of the Regional Operational Program 2007/2013 and the financial resources allocated in total
are 4 million EUR.
Read more (in Italian): http://enerweb.casaccia.enea.it/enearegioni/UserFiles/Molise/BURM-2015-20-
ES.pdf
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16 Latvia
16.1 Transport
Expansion of the network of charging stations for electric cars On 7 August 2015, a new project with the aim to build 235 charging stations for electric automobiles was announced by the Transport Ministry of Latvia. The overall planned budget of the project is EUR 8.34 million. According to information provided by the Ministry, 60 charging stations are to be built on the Trans-European Transport Network road by 2020 and 175 charging stations on regional roads by 2022. The project plan is still to be reviewed still be reviewed by the government. Read more [in English]: http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/good_for_business/?doc=109164
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17 Lithuania
17.1 Energy Efficiency
EUR 50 million for multifamily building renovation projects
On 13 August 2015 the Ministry of Environment announced that EUR 50 million will be allocated to the
Public Investment Development Agency (Viešųjų investicijų plėtros agentūra, VIPA) to implement
multifamily building renovation projects.
As indicated by the Vice-Minister of Environment, Daiva Matonienė, currently efforts are made to
establish a risk-sharing fund, to attract even greater funding for multifamily building renovation.
According to the data of the Public Company Housing Energy Efficiency Agency, around 1,500
multifamily houses are currently renovated in Lithuania. Renovation work of nearly 300 buildings has
been finalised.
Read more [in Lithuanian]: http://www.am.lt/VI/index.php#a/16220
German experts were introduced to the first selected block for a common block renovation pilot project in Lithuania
On 14 July 2015, the Ministry of Environment announced that German experts arrived to Šiauliai City
– one of the three Lithuanian cities where first block renovation pilot projects will be implemented. The
experts were introduced to the selected 12 hectare block with around 2,000 inhabitants for the pilot
project.
The block renovation covers not only the modernization of multifamily and public buildings, but also
the replacement of old heating networks with the low-temperature central heating system, green
areas’ management, modernization of street lighting and other infrastructure.
Two other cities where block renovation pilot projects will be implemented together with the German
experts are Utena and Birštonas.
According to Vice-Minister of Environment, Daiva Matonienė, based on these three projects, a national
programme for block renovation will be drafted.
Read more [in Lithuanian]: http://www.am.lt/VI/index.php#a/16119
17.2 Energy Networks
The preparation of the special plan for the GIPL project initiated
The Lithuanian operator of natural gas transmission system AB Amber Grid continues the preparatory
work for the project on the Gas Interconnection Poland – Lithuania (GIPL). As announced by the
company, in July 2015, it contracted UAB Ardynas, a private company that will perform the territorial
planning and designing works. The environmental impact assessment procedure is nearing
completion. Moreover, the preparation of the special plan has currently been initiated. It is expected to
be completed in 2016.
The main objectives of the project, being implemented together with the Polish gas transmission
system operator GAZ-SYSTEM S, is to integrate the Baltic countries’ gas markets into the common
gas market of the European Union, to diversify the gas supply sources, and to increase the security of
the gas supply.
The estimated project value amounts to EUR 558 million, EUR 422 million in the territory of Poland
and EUR 136 million in the territory of Lithuania.
The GIPL project shall be completed and be operational by the end of 2019.
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Read more [in English]:
https://www.ambergrid.lt/en/news/pressrelease/preparationofthespecialplanonthegasinterconnectionpo
landlithuaniahasbeenlaunched
Read more [in Lithuanian]: http://enmin.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/pradedamas-rengti-dujotiekiu-jungties-tarp-
lenkijos-ir-lietuvos-specialusis-planas
European Commission approved EUR 27.4 million for the LitPol Link power interconnection
The Lithuanian transmission system operator AB Litgrid announced on 14 July 2015 that the
European Commission and the EU Member States have approved financial support of EUR 27.4
million for the LitPol Link power interconnection between Lithuania and Poland, which makes 67% of
the amount applied for.
The project will be financed under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), an instrument supporting
trans-European networks and infrastructures in the sectors of transport, telecommunications and
energy.
The project is part of the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) aimed at linking the
power systems of the Baltic Sea region countries.
The interconnection is expected to be operational in December 2015.
Read more [in English]: http://www.litgrid.eu/index.php/news-events-/news/litpol-link-to-receive-eur-27-
million-of-eu-funding/2844
Read more [in Lithuanian]: http://www.litgrid.eu/index.php/naujienos-ir-ivykiai/naujienos/litpol-link-
elektros-jungciai-27-mln-euru-europos-sajungos-finansine-parama/2842
Read more [in Lithuanian]: http://enmin.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/litpol-link-elektros-jungciai-27-mln-euru-
europos-sajungos-finansine-parama
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18 Luxembourg
18.1 Energy Efficiency
The Luxembourg government adopted a draft bill setting up a scheme to support environmental
protection
On 27 July 2015, the Luxembourg government adopted a draft bill setting up a scheme to support
investments within businesses willing to: (1) use natural resources more efficiently; and (2) reduce the
environmental footprint of their activities with the objective to improve their competitiveness. This new
scheme will replace the one in place since 2010. The current draft includes investment support for the
following project categories:
■ Promotion of energy efficiency within buildings;
■ Sanitization of contaminated sites;
■ Efficient cooling and heating networks;
■ Recycling and reuse of waste;
■ Energy infrastructure.
Read more [in French]: http://www.gouvernement.lu/5090392/31-conseil-
gouvernement?context=519177
18.2 Renewable Energy
The Luxembourg government approved the future cooperation with Lithuania to achieve its 2020
renewable energy targets
The directive 2009/28/EC, which sets the 2020 renewable energy targets of the EU Member States,
allows Member States to cooperate in order to achieve their targets. This cooperation can take the
form of a statistical transfer of a defined quantity of renewable energy from one Member State to
another. In order to achieve its 2020 renewable energy targets – i.e. 11% renewable energy in its final
consumption and 10% renewable fuel in the final fuel consumption of the transport sector –
Luxembourg will have to use this cooperation mechanism. Therefore, Luxembourg signed a
Memorandum of Understanding on renewable energy with Lithuania in 2011. Since then the technical
and practical discussions progressed considerably and on 17 July 2015, the Government approved
the following principles: (1) Luxembourg will buy renewable energy under the form of statistical
transfers from Lithuania during the period 2016-2020; (2) Luxembourg will buy between 100 and 2,500
GWh during that period of time depending on its needs. The financing of this mechanism is ensured
by the Luxembourg Climate and Energy Fund.
Read more [in French]: http://www.gouvernement.lu/5050854/17-conseil-
gouvernement?context=519177
18.3 Energy Networks
The Luxembourg government approved a draft regulation setting up new rules related to the electricity
market
On 31 July 2015, the Luxembourg government approved a draft regulation integrating a new
compensation for the new power plants with a rated electrical output of more than 500 kW or 3
producing units in the case of wind turbines.
In order to support the development of solar energy the Luxembourg government also approved a
change to the feed-in-tariff scheme supporting that energy source. Under the current system, the only
installations benefitting from a feed-in-tariff were PV solar installations with an electrical power lower or
equal to 30 kW. The new regulation will broaden this feed-in-tariff to the PV installations developed by
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citizens’ groups and with an electric power of 30 to 200 kW. The beneficiaries of the feed-in-tariff must
have the status of a Cooperative Society and be composed of at least 10 persons.
These measures will take effect on 1 January 2016.
Read more [in French]: http://www.gouvernement.lu/5093957/24-conseil-
gouvernement?context=519177
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19 Malta
19.1 Transport
Transport Malta re-opens Grant Scheme on the Purchase of New Environment-Friendly Vehicles
On 13 August 2015, Transport Malta (a government authority) announced that due to the success of
the vehicle scrappage scheme, a further EUR 200,000 have been allocated to extend the programme.
Transport Malta is inviting further applications for the grant which will be processed on a first come first
serve basis. The initiative is aimed to encourage people to dispose their old vehicles and to invest in
new cars with lower emissions.
892 vehicles have so far benefitted from the original EUR 700,000 allocated.
Vehicle owners who apply for the scheme are entitled to between EUR 700 and EUR 900 upon the
purchase of a new M1 motor vehicle (used for the carriage of persons and which may carry no more
than eight passengers in addition to the driver, the CO2 emissions of which do not exceed 130g/km
and its length does not exceed 4460mm, and is licensed for private use only) that qualifies for the
grant scheme whilst at the same time de-register/scrap a vehicle in the same category.
Read more [in English]: http://www.transport.gov.mt/news/press-release-13th-august-2015-tm-re-
opens-grant-scheme-new-environment-friendl
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20 Netherlands
20.1 Energy Efficiency
The Dutch Minister of Culture allocated EUR10 million for energy efficiency renovation of national
monuments
The renovation of national monuments to make them more energy efficient is not an easy task as it
often involves expensive operations trying to improve energy performance of buildings without
affecting their historical value. In order to identify which measures are the most adapted, 18 national
monument will receive subsidies to test which energy saving measures are most suitable during the
next two years. The Minister of Culture announced the allocation of a total envelope of EUR10 million
on 2 September 2015.
Read more [in Dutch]: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2015/09/02/10-miljoen-voor-
verduurzaming-rijksmonumenten
20.2 Transport
The Dutch government approved the Sustainable Fuel Vision
On 10 July 2015, the Dutch government approved the Sustainable Fuel Vision presented by the State
Secretary for Infrastructure and the Environment. This Vision was developed in cooperation with fuel
producers, vehicle manufacturers, carriers, shippers, umbrella organizations, academic institutions
and social organisations. Key elements include:
■ More support for electric mobility (cars, busses and trucks);
■ More efficient fuels amongst waterway transport, heavy-duty vehicles and aviation;
■ Support to more sustainable gaseous fuels;
■ Increase in the use of hydrogen, LNG and biofuels.
The parties involved in the development of this new Vision are also working on an investment agenda
to support the sustainable mobility sector. Financing sources will include the organisations
themselves, EU funds and potentially funds from the Dutch government.
Read more [in Dutch]: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2015/07/10/visie-op-een-schoner-
wagenpark-en-duurzamer-transport
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21 Poland
21.1 Renewable Energy
National Environmental Fund grants support for renewable energy installations
From 10 August 2015, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management
(NFEP&WM) is accepting new applications under the “Prosument” programme. The co-financing from
NFEP&WM may be awarded to undertakings related to purchasing and installing renewable energy
sources installations used to generate electricity or heat for the purposes of residential buildings that
already exist or are under construction. There are 6 types of micro-installations: biomass boilers, heat
pumps, solar collectors, photovoltaic systems, small wind farms and micro-cogeneration systems.
Eligible for support are local government units (LGUs), unions of LGUs or associations of LGUs. For
the purposes of the programme, 50 million PLN (12 million EUR) was allocated to be spent from 2015-
2018. The co-financing is granted in the form of a loan with a subsidy and in total covers up to 100%
of eligible costs of the installation.
Read more [in Polish]:
https://www.mos.gov.pl/artykul/7_aktualnosci/24985_dofinansowanie_dla_samorzadow_do_instalacji_
oze.html
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22 Portugal
22.1 Specific Energy Challenges
The Council of Ministers approved three climate change strategies
On 30 July 2015, the Council of Ministers approved three strategies addressing climate change,
namely the Framework for Climate Policy (Quadro Estratégico para a Política Climática, EPiC), the
National Programme for Climate Change 2020-2030 (Programa Nacional para as Altera es
Clim ticas, PNAC 2020-2030) and the second phase of the National Strategy for Adaptation to
Climate Change (Estratégia Nacional de Adaptação às Alterações Clim ticas, ENAAC 2020).
Launched by the Portuguese Environment Agency (Ag ncia Portuguesa do Ambiente, APA), the
QEPiC defines the objectives and policy instruments for a national framework for climate change for
the period 2020-30 and it encompasses the ENAAC 2020 as well as the PNAC 2020-2030 (see MPU
May 2015).
Read more [in Portuguese]: https://dre.pt/application/file/69906414
Rapid statistics on fossil fuels for May 2015
On 3 August 2015 the General Directorate for Energy and Geology (Direção-Geral de Energia e
Geologia, DGEG) presented the so-called rapid statistics on fossil fuels comparing figures from May
2015 with May 2014. The comparison shows that in May 2015 the consumption of fossil fuels
increased by 8.9% in relation to the same month of the previous year and by 0.4% in comparison to
April 2015.
Read more [in Portuguese]: http://www.dgeg.pt/
New remuneration regime for production of renewable energy from ocean source or location
On 13 July 2015 a new remuneration regime applicable to electricity generators that produce renewable energy from ocean sources or location was introduced. Projects that are covered by the new remuneration regime are those considered to be at an experimental or pre-commercial stage and that aim to demonstrate a fully or partially innovative technology able to produce energy from the ocean. Moreover, they have to be technically and economically viable or represent a significant improvement of scientific or technical knowledge. The remuneration applicable to the projects is set to EUR 80 / MWh.
Read more [in Portuguese]: https://dre.pt/application/file/69773355
22.2 Energy Efficiency
The Executive Committee of National Plan of Action for Energy Efficiency (PNAEE) will analyse
applications received under the Energy Efficiency Fund (FEE)
The 3 August 2015 was the deadline to submit applications for funding under the Energy Efficiency
Fund (Fundo de Eficiência Energética, FEE). Under call 13 (Incentives to promote energy efficiency II
2015) and call 15 (Transports 2015) the fund has received 19 and 9 applications respectively, while
under call 18 (Reduction of energy consumption related to State 2015) 342 applications were
submitted. The Executive Committee of National Plan of Action for Energy Efficiency (Plano Nacional
de Ação para a Eficiência Energética, PNAEE) will assess and prioritize the applications according to
their order of merit. The calls aim to encourage energy efficiency in the industry, transport and state
buildings sectors (see MPU March 2015).
Read more [in Portuguese]: http://fee.adene.pt/avisos/Paginas/avisos.aspx
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22.3 Renewable Energy
Public consultation on large photovoltaic installations in the municipalities of Alcoutim and Nisa
The Portuguese Environment Agency (Ag ncia Portuguesa do Ambiente, APA), the authority
responsible for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), has informed that the EIA for the
photovoltaic project in Alcoutim (Algarve) is available for public consultation from 10 August 2015 until
4 September 2015. Alcoutim is expected to be Portugal's largest solar plant, having a capacity of
200MW and an approximate cost of EUR 200 million. According to the EIA, the construction of the
plant will begin in January 2016 and will last more than one year.
In addition, the General Directorate for Energy and Geology (Direção-Geral de Energia e Geologia,
DGEG) has launched a public consultation of a 21 MW photovoltaic project located in Nisa (Alentejo).
Solar Park Nisa 3 is in public consultation for a period of ten working days from 14 August 2015 and
the municipality of Nisa is in charge of the consultative process. Nisa 3 is a project from the company
Expoentfokus and has a total of 160,288 polycrystalline silicon panels. Contributions to the project can
be submitted at the DGEG and the municipality of Nisa.
The EIA in Portuguese is available at the online sites of www.apambiente.pt and www.participa.pt.
Read more [in Portuguese]: http://www.apambiente.pt/_zdata/CONSULTA_PUBLICA/2015/10ago-4set2015_AIA_CentralFotovoltaicaAlcoutim.pdf
Read more [in Portuguese]: http://expresso.sapo.pt/dossies/diario/2015-08-11-Maior-central-solar-portuguesa-avanca-em-janeiro--com-mel-de-rosmaninho-
Read more [in Portuguese]: http://www.dgeg.pt/
Period of time to receive financing for the construction and operation of forest biomass plants has
been extended
On 21 August 2015 the Ministry of the Environment (Ministério do Ambiente, Ordenamento do
Território e Energia) has introduced an amendment to Decree-Law No. 5/2011, which promotes the
production and exploitation of forest biomass, with the purpose to extend the period of time for forest
biomass plants to receive construction and operation financial incentives.
Eligible for the incentive are:
■ Plants that enter into operation by 31 December 2018 or 31 December 2019, in case the plant
installation depends on prior environmental impact assessment or assessment of environmental
impacts;
■ Plants that start their construction by 31 December 2016 or 31 December 2017, in case the
construction of the plant depends on prior environmental impact assessment or assessment of
environmental impacts.
Furthermore, the new Decree-Law provides the possibility for forest biomass plants, having assigned
but not yet installed capacity, to ask for the partial or total integration and/or redistribution of the
assigned capacity.
Read more [in Portuguese]: https://dre.pt/application/file/70064566
22.4 Transport
The Council of Ministers approved the final version of the revised Strategic Plan for Transport and Infrastructure (PETI3 +)
On 20 August 2015 the Council of Ministers decided to approve the final version of the revised
Strategic Plan for Transport and Infrastructure (Plano Estratégico dos Transportes e Infraestruturas,
PETI3 +) that integrates the results of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (Avaliação Ambiental
Estratégica, AAE). PETI3 + is based on three strategic objectives for the horizon 2014 -2020:
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■ To contribute to the economic growth by supporting Portuguese companies and job creation;
■ To ensure the competitiveness of the transport sector and its financial sustainability for Portuguese
contributors;
■ To promote social and territorial cohesion, assuring mobility and accessibility of people and goods
across the country as well as environmental sustainability
Read more [in Portuguese]: https://dre.pt/application/file/70064544
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23 Romania
23.1 Renewable Energy
ANRE expects surplus of 6 million Green Certificates by the end of 2015
According to the Romanian Energy Regulator ANRE, the surplus of Green Certificates (GCs) (Green
Certificates are tradable certificates which are issued for electricity from renewable energy sources
under the Romanian quota system) on the Green Certificates Market continues to increase. Currently,
there is a number of four million GCs on the market, with no buyers. The government had reduced the
prescribed annual share of electricity from renewable energy sources from originally 15% to 11.1% in
2014 and from 16% to 11.9% in 2015. This already concluded in various trading sessions where none
GC was traded at all. The lack of transactions of GCs seriously affects the renewable energy sector,
especially small and medium-sized investors, significantly reducing their profitability.
Read more [in English]:http://www.econet-romania.com/en/single-news/726/problems-on-the-green-
certificate-market.html
23.2 Energy Networks
ANRE has revised Transelectrica’s RON 615 million investment plan
In August 2015, the Romanian Energy Regulator ANRE revised Transelectrica’s investment plan for the period of 2015-2019. Transelectrica foresees investments worth RON 615 million (approx. EUR 140 million) amongst others to the various derailleurs and transmission grids. More than half of the major investment projects have already been initiated.
Read more [in English]:http://www.econet-romania.com/en/single-news/760/investments-at-
transelectrica.html
Support programme “District Heating 2006-2015” prolonged until 2020
In July 2015, the Romanian government prolonged the subsidy programme “District Heating 2006-2015”. In this way, the government acknowledged the necessity to further invest in the Romanian infrastructure for generation, transmission and distribution of thermal energy. The programme aims at modernising and extending the district heating infrastructure in Romania and thus increasing its efficiency and accessibility. Eligible parties under this programme are local administrations. Until 2015, only RON 420 million (approx. EUR 93.3 million) of altogether RON 1.7 billion (approx. EUR 377.8 million) available under this programme have been absorbed.
Read more [in English]:http://www.econet-romania.com/en/single-news/733/the-programme-district-
heating-2006-2015-will-be-prolonged-until-2020.html
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24 Slovakia
24.1 Energy Networks
Slovakia and Bulgaria confirm further support of Eastring gas pipeline project
At a meeting in Sofia on 22 July 2015, Slovakia’s Minister of Economy Vazil Hud k and Bulgaria’s
Minister of Energy Temenuzhka Petkova confirmed that both countries will further support the Eastring
gas pipeline project, connecting the existing gas infrastructure of Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and
Bulgaria. The two ministers agreed that it was necessary to create a working group tasked with sorting
out the technical detail related to the implementation of the gas pipeline project. The first meeting of
this working group is expected to take place in September of this year in Bratislava.
Read more [in English]: http://www.me.government.bg/en/news/minister-petkova-and-slovak-minister-
of-economy-vazil-hud-k-have-discussed-the-development-of-the-pr-2077.html
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25 Slovenia
25.1 Specific energy challenges
Prolongation of the public hearing for the Energy Concept
The undergoing public debate on the new Energy Concept of Slovenia has been prolonged to 30
September 2015 (the responsible Ministry of Infrastructure has presented the proposal for the Energy
Concept of Slovenia on 2 June 2015). The Concept defines the overall goals of a low-carbon
electricity producing society to be reached by 2055 and defines ambitious sector specific goals. The
Slovenian Government formally took note on the information of the draft Energy Concept of Slovenia
on 9 July 2015 and approved the guidelines presented by the Ministry of Infrastructure in June. The
Concept is planned to be formally adopted later this year.
Read more [in Slovene]: http://www.energetika-portal.si/novica/n/informacija-o-predlogu-usmeritev-za-
pripravo-energetskega-koncepta-slovenije-9396/
Read more [in Slovene]: http://www.energetika-portal.si/nc/dokumenti/strateski-razvojni-
dokumenti/energetski-koncept-slovenije/
25.2 Environmental Taxation
Increase of the Renewable Energy / Combined Heat and Power (RES/CHP) contribution fee
The Government of Slovenia has approved the new Act regulating the RES/CHP contribution fee on
its session on 16 July 2015 (a raise was planned for autumn this year). The Act increased the
contribution fee for average household users to EUR 0,74 /kW per month (previously EUR 0,58844
/kW per month). The RES/CHP contribution fee is used for financing the RES/CHP support scheme
(premium and feed-in tariff) in Slovenia. As of 2015 the gathered funds did not suffice for all
installations already financed under the support scheme (a gap of approximately EUR 10 million per
annum is reported) at which point the operator of the scheme Borzen d.o.o. (RES/CHP operator)
decided to temporarily stop new entries. New fees are effective as of 1 August 2015.
Read more [in Slovene]: http://www.energetika-portal.si/podrocja/energetika/prispevek-za-obnovljive-
vire/
Read more [in Slovene]: http://www.energetika-portal.si/novica/n/vlada-podala-soglasje-k-aktu-o-
prispevkih-za-zagotavljanje-podpor-za-proizvodnjo-elektricne-energije-iz-ove-in-spte-9416/
Read more [in Slovene]: http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?sop=2015-01-2368
25.3 Energy Efficiency
Rules on the methods for calculating energy savings in interdepartmental coordination
The Ministry for Energy prepared its response to the comments received from the public discussion on
the newly proposed rules for calculating energy savings. The amended rules now need to be approved
by the inter-ministerial coordination of the Ministry and are planned to be published no later than
September 2015.
With the new "Rules on the Methods for Calculating Energy Savings" the range of measures to
improve energy efficiency was extended, some methods were upgraded and updated, and some were
removed because they were no longer consistent with the requirements of the Directive 2012/27/EU
on energy efficiency. The proposed Rules have been under public hearing from 9 June to 5 July 2015.
A total of 42 comments from 10 stakeholders were provided on the proposal.
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Read more [in Slovene]: http://www.energetika-portal.si/podrocja/energetika/prihranki-
energije/pravilnik-prihranki-energije/
Long-term strategy to stimulate investment in energy renovation of buildings ready for inter-departmental coordination
The Ministry responsible for Energy is preparing its response to the comments received from the
public discussion on the strategy document to stimulate investment in energy renovation of buildings,
which was held from 22 May to 22 June 2015. The Strategy is a strategic document that has been
produced in accordance with the structure laid down by Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency. It
also presents the basis for the Operational Programme for the implementation of some of the
European cohesion policy measures for the period 2014-2020 in Slovenia.
The comments received will be submitted to an inter-ministerial coordination group and should be
adopted later this year by the Government.
Read more [in Slovene]: http://www.energetika-portal.si/dokumenti/strateski-razvojni-
dokumenti/dolgorocna-strategija-za-spodbujanje-nalozb-energetske-prenove-stavb/
25.4 Renewable Energy
Statistics of the RES/CHP support scheme published in the first half of 2015
The Slovene operator of the subsidy scheme Borzen d.o.o. (the scheme providing financial support to
RES/CHP installations in order to make the RES/CHP installations economically feasible) presented
the statistics for the subsidized electricity production. The statistics show that a total of 3889
production units with a total power of 427 MW were included in the support scheme in the first half of
2015 and produced 514.2 Gwh, which is 2.3% more than in the same period in 2014. EUR 5.3 million
more support (a plus of 7,4%) was paid in the same period in 2014. In the period from January to
June 2015 126 new power plants were installed with a total output of 15.1 MW. Of these, 94 CHP
plants were using fossil fuels (CHP plants) with a total power of 14 MW presenting more than 95 % of
new entrants.
Read more [in Slovene]: http://www.energetika-portal.si/novica/n/v-prvem-polletju-leta-2015-
izplacanih-763-mio-eur-za-podpore-proizvodnji-elektricne-energije-iz-ove-in-spte-9429/
Read more [in Slovene]: https://www.borzen.si/sl/Domov/menu1/Informacije/Novice/Aktualne-
novice/ArticleID/313/Pregled-delovanja-podporne-sheme-v-prvem-polletju
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26 Spain
26.1 Cross-cutting Measures
Public budget for low emission projects announced
On 18 August 2018, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Pablo Saavedra, presented the 2016 draft budget for environmental policies. In 2016, EUR 48 million will be allocated to the Spanish Office for Climate Change and EUR 18 million to the launch of new projects under the Spanish Environmental Plan (Planes de Impulso al Medio Ambiente en España – PIMA) to support progress towards a low carbon economy.
More than EUR 20 million will be allocated to the Carbon Fund (Fondo de Carbono) which will be used to foster low emission technologies. This represented a significant increase as compared to the 2015 Carbon Fund budget of EUR 15 million.
Read more [in Spanish]:
http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/prensa/150818nppsaavedrapresentapgeencongreso_tcm7-
391927_noticia.pdf
Read more [in Spanish]: http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/prensa/noticias/ramos-los-presupuestos-
demuestran-el-compromiso-del-gobierno-con-el-medio-ambiente-haci%C3%A9ndolo-compatible-con-
el-empleo-el-desarrollo-econ%C3%B3mico-s/tcm7-345941-16
The government published its annual report on agricultural, food and environmental indicators
In July of this year, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MAGRAMA) published its annual environmental indicators, which included statistics on the country’s emissions. MAGRAMA reported that in 2013 Spain emitted 321.9 Mt CO2eq, representing a 7.7 per cent decrease as compared to 2012. Most emissions came from transport (34 per cent of total emissions) and electricity generation (31 per cent).
Read more [in Spanish]: http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/prensa/noticias/el-ministerio-de-agricultura-
alimentaci%C3%B3n-y-medio-ambiente-publica-el-informe-anual-de-indicadores-2014/tcm7-390740-
16
Read more and access the report [in Spanish]:
http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/ministerio/servicios/analisis-y-
prospectiva/aypinformeanualindicadores_julio2015versionpapelv3_tcm7-390459.pdf
26.2 Transport
The Spanish government presents its strategy for alternative energy vehicles
On 26 June 2015, the Council of Ministers approved an agreement that acknowledges the Spanish
Strategy to Promote Alternative Energy Vehicles 2014 – 2020. The strategy includes 30 measures to
put Spain at the forefront of the sector for alternative energies applied to transport.
The strategy will support the development of the market for alternative energy vehicles by stimulating
production and demand. It will also support the development of an adequate infrastructure that meets
the need of alternative energy vehicles. Measures in support of the purchase of these vehicles for
public transportation will take into consideration energy consumption and GHG emissions.
Read more [in Spanish]: http://www.minetur.gob.es/es-
es/gabineteprensa/notasprensa/2015/documents/npestrategiavehiculosenergialternativa090715.pdf
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Read more [in Spanish]: http://www.minetur.gob.es/es-
es/gabineteprensa/notasprensa/2015/documents/dossier%20prensa%20estrategia%20veh%C3%ADc
ulo%20energ%C3%ADas%20alternativas.pdf
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27 Sweden
27.1 Renewable Energy
Swedish Energy Agency commissioned drafting of the Solar Energy Strategy
On 23 July 2015, the Government commissioned the Swedish Energy Agency to develop a strategy
for the increased use of solar electricity. In the beginning of 2015 a total amount of SEK 450 million
(EUR 47.67 million) was allocated for the support of the installation of solar panels in the period
between 2016 and 2018. In this context, the key objective of the strategy is to introduce concrete short
and long-term measures to promote greater use of solar power. Furthermore, the role of solar
electricity in the future energy system shall be estimated within this strategy. To this end it is important
to identify any remaining barriers and obstacles to the increased use of solar electricity.
The document shall be finalised by 28 March 2016.
Read more [in Swedish]: http://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2015/07/strategi-for-solel2/
Read more [in Swedish]: http://www.energimyndigheten.se/Press/Nyheter/Strategi-for-okad-
anvandning-av-solel/
27.2 Energy Efficiency
Ten research projects on energy efficiency promoted
On 18 August 2015, the Swedish Energy Agency granted a total amount of SEK 43.2 million (EUR
4.58 million) to ten projects under the Strategic Energy Research Programme (Strategisk
energisystemforskning). The winning projects include for example the research on the opportunities
for the procurement of energy-efficient ships and vessels and are expected to contribute to a
sustainable energy system in different ways. The overall budget of the programme is SEK 130 million
(EUR 13.77 million), while SEK 20 million (EUR 2.11 million) is earmarked for the electricity market
research.
Read more [in Swedish]: http://www.energimyndigheten.se/Press/Nyheter/Tio-forskningsprojekt-om-
energisystem-delar-pa-43-miljoner-/
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28 United Kingdom
28.1 Cross-cutting Measures
The Government published projections on non-CO2 GHG emissions
On 14 August 2015, the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published updated projections on emissions of non-CO2 GHG. Projections are published on an annual basis since 2014 (previously, publication was biannual). The periodical assessment is done to monitor progress against UK GHG targets, namely: the Kyoto protocol, EU 2020 targets and the 2008 UK Climate Change Act. The latter commits the UK to reducing GHG emissions by at least 80 per cent in 2050 as compared to 1990 levels.
Based on DECC’s projections, non-CO2 GHG emissions will decrease by 26 per cent between 2013 and 2035. This will represent a 65 per cent reduction as compared to 1990 levels. Reductions are mainly expected to derive from the sectors of waste management, business and energy.
Read more and access the report [in English]:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/453665/2015_Report_v
1_6.pdf
28.2 Renewable Energy
DECC announces measures to reduce renewable energy subsidies
Following subsidy cuts to large scale solar farms in January 2015, DECC introduced new measures to reduce its financial support to renewables. The aim of these measures is to achieve cheaper consumer bills. One of the measures was the launch of a consultation on plans to cut subsidies to new solar farms as of 2016.
The UK Solar Trade Association reported that cuts will determine small benefits for consumers, but large negative impacts on the industry. While the main solar farm's subsidy costs consumers about three pounds per year in energy costs, subsidies are fundamental for solar farms to be put on a level playing field with the nuclear energy and fracking sectors.
Read more [in English]: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/controlling-the-cost-of-renewable-
energy
Read more [in English]: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33619017