The European Commission’s “Clean Energy for All Europeans” package of legislation puts “Efficiency First.” Generally praised by energy efficiency advocates, this principle evokes fear in the renewable energy sector. Does Efficiency First mean that renewable energy takes the back seat? Will Efficiency First slow down the remarkable expansion of renewable energy in recent years?

The answer to these questions is a clear “no.” In order to completely decarbonise energy production, we need more investment in renewables, not less. Just as the energy system cannot be decarbonised through energy efficiency alone, a system with 100 percent renewables cannot be achieved without extensive energy efficiency. This is one reason why the International Energy Agency (IEA) has described energy efficiency as a “first fuel.”

Read More (The Energy Collective)