Solving Europe’s water challenges means getting it right on energy

From strict emergency measures being introduced in Catalonia, to memories of nuclear plants shutting down in France due to drought and low water supply, one thing is clear, and that is Europe’s water sector is under pressure, says Bonaldi da Costa of Danfoss in Foresight Climate and Energy.

Are we on the cusp of a water crisis in Europe or are we already in the midst of one?

Climate change-induced volatile weather patterns, in combination with poor water management and increased water demand in the agricultural, energy and industrial sectors have proven a lethal combination piling on additional stress to an increasingly strained supply.

But when it comes to water, the stakes are too high to ignore. On top of the social and health implications for local communities, failure to find a sustainable resolution to the water crisis is an issue which will undoubtedly jeopardise the EU’s competitiveness and ability to develop strategic sectors such as the hydrogen economy.

Yet in rethinking a European approach to our water challenges, we cannot forget to put a heavy emphasis on solving the closely interlinked energy issue. The mutual dependence between water and energy is clear to see: energy generation accounts for 44% of the EU’s water consumption, while the water sector accounts for around 3% of the EU’s total electricity demand. For comparison, that is a figure comfortably larger than Belgium’s electricity consumption.

 

Read the full article in Foresight Climate & Energy.

 

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EU-ASE President Monica Frassoni’s message ahead of the upcoming negotiations at #COP28

EU-ASE President Monica Frassoni speaks ahead of the upcoming negotiations at COP 28, beginning today, 30 November, running until 12 December 2023  in United Arab Emirates.

COP28 UAE will be a milestone moment when the world will take stock of its progress on the Paris Agreement. The first Global Stocktake (GST) will provide a comprehensive assessment of progress since adopting the Paris Agreement. This will help align the efforts on climate action, including measures that need to be put in place to bridge the gaps in progress.

EU-ASE President Monica Frassoni speaks ahead of these upcoming negotiations, emphasizing highlights the need to double  energy efficiency and phase out fossil fuels:

“The EU has been in the forefront of the climate race and now we see that a mixture of political fatigue and a regaining of space of eco-skeptical narrative risks hampering the major business and social opportunity that an effective and just transition can bring.”

EU-ASE and its members will continue to give a positive contribution to the completion and full implementation of the Green Deal and notably of the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

COP28, opening today in Dubai, is the right place to take actions towards a sustainable future!

Watch the full video here

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The green home is worthwhile: 94 billion in savings for Italians from efficiency improvements

A new study shows the benefits within the next twenty years of renovating the most energy-intensive buildings. On 12 October, the Italian government will participate in the final phase of negotiations on the European EPDB Directive for the energy performance of buildings.

According to research just published by the international consulting firm Guidehouse, if Italy invested in targeted redevelopment of the most energy-intensive buildings, citizens would save up to €94 billion on their bills. Even with the investment required for energy upgrades, the benefit in terms of energy savings would be 68% higher after only 20 years.

According to Monica Frassoni, President of the European Alliance for Energy Saving (EUASE), the will of Italians is clear: “Citizens want structural and long-term actions that will allow us to lower the cost of their bills.”

Read the full article in Sapereambiente

 

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It is time to update our thinking about energy efficiency

“Energy efficiency becomes even more important as we shift to a renewables-based economy,” says Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen of Danfoss ahead of the second edition of European Energy Efficiency Day 2023.

It is not magic, energy efficiency solutions are readily available right now.

The UNFCCC Global Stocktake report released in September 2023 emphasised the urgency of honouring the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5℃. We are simply not on track yet.

The good news is that it is possible to reach our climate goals, and we do not need magic to achieve them. We already have the technology and the solutions, but action is needed.

We need an increased focus on energy efficiency policy implementation to strengthen energy security and keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5℃ within reach. Energy efficiency is, and always should be, the “first fuel” for clean energy transitions.

We have the required technology available and it is by far the quickest and most cost-effective carbon mitigation option.

Read the full article in Foresight Climate & Energy.

More information on Energy Efficiency Day here & Register here.

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Building Investor Certainty: Business Leaders Unite in Urgent Call for an Ambitious Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

We call upon the co-legislator to seize a historic opportunity and prioritize the adoption of an ambitious Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) before the conclusion of the Spanish Presidency at the end of 2023.

Our appeal for urgent action is grounded in the recognition that a timely agreement on the EPBD is essential to bring an array of benefits for EU citizens and businesses. Our concern is that the debate is becoming excessively polarized based largely on inaccurate information and assumptions, which threatens to delay the delivery of much needed improvements to people`s homes and workplaces while diminishing efforts to lower bills and boost energy security and competitiveness.

The European Green Deal rightfully identifies the upgrade of the EU’s building stock as a key objective in the fight against climate change and the pursuit of our 2050 decarbonization goals. Since the war in Ukraine and the ensuing energy security challenges, we have been pursuing urgent strategies to attain energy independence. Highly efficient and smart buildings are the bedrock of energy security. By enhancing their energy efficiency through renovation and use of management systems, we can significantly reduce the energy required for heating, cooling and lighting, we can optimize consumption and contribute to grid optimization. The integration of digital solutions further unlocks the potential for renewable energy integration and flexibility, reducing even more our reliance on imported fossil fuels.

 

Read the full opinion-editorial on Euractiv.

More information on Energy Efficiency Day here & register here.

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