The contribution of high efficiency cogeneration to primary energy savings and the development of this technology

1.7.2016

Question for written answer E-005422-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Carolina Punset (ALDE) , Javier Nart (ALDE) , María Teresa Giménez Barbat (ALDE)

Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency sets a target of saving 20% of primary energy consumption by 2020 and promotes ‘high efficiency cogeneration’, which saves more than 10% of primary energy and plays a key role in the achievement of the targets. Member States have to report on their annual progress towards the achievement of the goals, specifically as regards cogeneration.

The market situation and lack of effective national frameworks mean that cogeneration is declining in several countries (such as Spain, where 350 of the 1 000 existing installations have closed down), together with the relevant energy efficiency and decarbonisation.

In this regard, under Article 24(3) of Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency, the Commission has to evaluate the National Energy Efficiency Action Plans and assess the extent to which Member States have made progress towards the achievement of the national energy efficiency targets.

What progress has therefore been made and, more specifically, what is the aggregate result of the reports which have so far been evaluated, in terms of primary energy savings?

What contribution is high efficiency cogeneration making towards achieving those targets, and how is it developing, as a technology that is also being promoted by Directive 2012/27/EU?