DG Energy Newsletter

The recently adopted revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive supports the EU’s wider effort to reach a carbon neutral economy, while improving people's quality of life, lowering the energy bills of households and businesses, boosting the construction ecosystem and contributing to Europe’s energy independence.

The Commission is stepping up its efforts to support the solar sector in Europe through the European Solar Charter. Signed on 15 April by the Commission, energy ministers from 23 EU countries and industry representatives, the charter sets out a series of voluntary actions to be undertaken to support the EU photovoltaic sector.

150 European citizens adopted 13 recommendations for the European Commission on energy efficiency during the final session of the European Citizens' Panel on Energy Efficiency, which took place from 12 to 14 April in Brussels.

The EUSEW takes place from 11 to 13 June 2024 in Brussels and online. This year edition is themed: Net-zero energy solutions for a competitive Europe. A second major focus of this edition will be on cities, demonstrating their important role in driving positive change.

Between 22 and 26 April 2024, the European Commission will be present at the Hannover Fair - one of the world’s largest industrial fairs – to underline the importance of boosting EU industrial competitiveness.

The Commissioner for Energy is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, until 18 April to participate in the 14th session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a key annual meeting to foster cooperation at the global level on the uptake of renewable energy.

The Commission launched on 2 April three new elements to further support the energy efficiency and ecodesign of a wide range of household products and appliances on the EU market.

The European Commission has published the first list of Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest in the Official Journal of the European Union. The selected projects will help to achieve the ambitious energy and climate objectives of the European Green Deal.

On 10 April, the Commission adopted a Communication taking stock of a series of Clean Transition Dialogues on transforming Europe into a clean, resource-efficient, fair and competitive economy.

The EU and Australia underlined in a joint press statement on 4 April the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. Both parties reaffirmed their 'unwavering commitment' to implementing the Paris agreement and accelerating the global clean energy transformation.

The two parties met on 15 March in Washington to discuss strategic energy issues for transatlantic energy, such as energy security, stability and transparency in global energy markets, and just energy transitions.

This new call for proposals for key cross-border EU energy infrastructure projects included in the Union list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) is open for submission on 30 April and will close on 22 October 2024.

The Commission welcomed on 12 April the final adoption of the strengthened Directive, another milestone of the European Green Deal. This legislation sets the framework for Member States to reduce emissions and energy use in buildings across the EU, from homes and workplaces to schools, hospitals and other public buildings.

Last 16 March 2024 marked the second anniversary of the synchronisation of Ukraine’s and Moldova’s electricity grids to the Continental European Network. In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, this process was completed in less than 3 weeks, although more than 1 year was initially foreseen.

As foreseen under the new, recast Energy Efficiency Directive, this secondary legislation requires data centre operators to report the key performance indicators to the European database by 15 September 2024 and then by 15 May in 2025 and subsequent years.

Selected participants will benefit from tailored capacity building, technical and support for communication matters regarding the project or community to implement their citizen-led renovation project. All energy communities can respond to the call for participation until 31 May.

On 1 April 2024, the EU had reached historically high storages of gas – close to 59% compared to the average gas storage during 2016-2020 which was 36%. It is the result of our successful diversification of energy supplies and shows that markets are very stable.

Did you know that more than a fifth of EU’s electricity is generated by nuclear power? Watch this video to find out how the European Commission contributes to make sure that the power produced is safe for all and how SMRs could offer a low-carbon alternative to fossil-fueled power plants.