Open Access
Prospects for a Sustainable Energy Policy in the European Union
Loading...
Files
1997_EUI WP_RSCAS_029.pdf (14.32 MB)
Full-text in Open Access
License
Cadmus Permanent Link
Full-text via DOI
ISBN
ISSN
1028-3625
Issue Date
Type of Publication
Keyword(s)
LC Subject Heading
Other Topic(s)
EUI Research Cluster(s)
Initial version
Published version
Succeeding version
Preceding version
Published version part
Earlier different version
Initial format
Author(s)
Citation
Florence : European University Institute, 1997
EUI RSC; 1997/29
Cite
COLLIER, Ute, Prospects for a Sustainable Energy Policy in the European Union, Florence : European University Institute, 1997, EUI RSC, 1997/29 - https://hdl.handle.net/1814/1507
Abstract
The European Union's Fifth Environmental Action Programme has designated the energy sector as one of the five sectors particularly crucial on the path 'Towards Sustainability'. Current energy trends are clearly unsustainable. Not only are energy activities implied as major culprits in numerous environmental problems, including acid rain and the greenhouse effect; the wastefulness of the system (due to inefficiencies in power stations, in industrial processes, buildings and domestic appliances) is also sub-optimal in economic terms. There are a range of opportunities for improving efficiencies and reducing environmental impact, both through technological solutions and behavioural changes. However, a number of barriers need to be overcome to realise these opportunities. Some of these are caused by institutional and regulatory structures, others by market failures. Clearly, some major changes are required, challenging in particular the supply-side orientation of the energy industry and requiring a better internalisation of external costs. However, as the European Commission has acknowledged, sustainable energy development is very challenging in a situation with abundant fossil fuel supplies at low cost. This paper examines energy policy developments at EU level and in five member states (Germany, UK, France, Italy and Spain), focusing on a number of sustainability indictors (CO2 emissions, energy efficiency and renewable energies). The aim is to identify the main constraints to, as well as facilitating factors for their improvement. While there are differences between the five countries, some general observations can be made. The paper will show that while there has been much rhetoric about sustainable development and energy, and some small steps in the right direction are being taken, there is no evidence of a real shift towards a more sustainable energy policy. Concern about short-term economic costs and the disproportional influence of industrial lobby groups are major obstacles, which under the current economic climate seem unlikely to change.
Table of Contents
Additional Information
Digitised version produced by the EUI Library and made available online in 2020.