Ignacio González-Blanch, Oficina de Cambio Climático y Eficiencia Energética de Telefónica
On the 25 February the European Commission presented its new Energy Union strategy. In the spirit of Robert Schumann, the Commission called for solidarity to achieve this union.
“Europe will not be created at once nor as one large project: it will be created thanks to specific attainments that create, first of all, a space of actual solidarity.” Robert Schumann 1950
The European Union currently imports more than half the energy it consumes; a relevant fact when considering that the energy market is fragmented and companies pay more for energy than the rest of their international competitors. Additionally, competitive advantage is being lost insofar as energy technologies and the future of our planet is at risk as a result of climate change.
What does an Energy Union mean? It means improving energy security, reducing dependence from imports and seeking new energy routes, suppliers and sources, while at the same time building new infrastructure to improve electricity and gas connections between borders.
Likewise, Union involve a more sustainable economy with a lower carbon footprint; one that creates green jobs, transforms transport systems and carbon markets and promotes renewable energy.
At the same time, this Energy Union also entails more affordable energy for citizens and reforms in energy markets which bring about energy price reductions and increased competitiveness for the industry, implement energy efficiency measures for buildings and transport and promote energy self-generation and consumption management among consumers.
A great deal of the benefits an Energy Union entails are connected to better using new technologies to more effectively manage energy. In such a manner, the use of Smart meters to better manage consumption and invoicing, Smart grids to efficiently manage generation and distribution, or, in short, all technological innovations that advance a low-carbon economy, are fundamental to attain the Energy Union’s objectives.
Find the Energy Union highlights in this infographic:
