Shaping EU policy for sustainable energy production
Dependence on fossil fuels for power is becoming more and more problematic for many reasons. Electricity obtained from fossil fuels is accompanied by high levels of carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global climate change. In addition, as fossil fuels become increasingly scarce and are controlled by relatively few countries, reliable and secure delivery of electricity at a reasonable cost becomes much less certain. The EU is working toward a transition from fossil fuels to sustainable, low-carbon and secure forms of energy. An important component of the EU’s energy programme is the EU-funded project 'Energy foresight network' (Efonet). Efonet was created to coordinate discussions among energy stakeholders leading to implementation of research results in policy formulation. It consisted of 14 partners and numerous external experts representing research institutions, national and EU institutions, industry, international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Debates covered five thematic areas: methodological approaches to energy foresight, end user energy efficiency strategies, foresight in the transport and mobility sector, energy technology integration, and conditions favouring development of more efficient energy technologies. The Efonet consortium organised 21 targeted workshops, each of which resulted in a summary document in the form of a policy brief and other materials available on the Efonet website (http://www.efonet.org). A final project debate covering main project conclusions was staged at the European Parliament (EP) in Brussels with participation by the EP President and several EP members. In its two and a half years, Efonet made an important contribution to the development of an EU sustainable energy programme. With its focused debates among researchers, end users, policymakers and other stakeholders, Efonet was able to contribute numerous policy briefs that should help translate research into practice.
