scholarly journals Legal Provisions and Market Conditions for Energy Communities in Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Turkey: A Comparative Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 11212
Author(s):  
Mehmet Efe Biresselioglu ◽  
Siyami Alp Limoncuoglu ◽  
Muhittin Hakan Demir ◽  
Johannes Reichl ◽  
Katrin Burgstaller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Social Acceptance ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Energy System ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Legal Provisions ◽  
The Eu

The Climate Pact and the European Green Deal constitute the main components of the European Union (EU)’s climate change policy. Energy transition, that is, transformation to a zero-carbon global energy system, is one of the main pillars of climate change mitigation policies. This transformation, coupled with the empowerment of individuals within the energy system, shifts citizens from their roles as customers towards a more active role. Within this framework, energy communities stand out as significant facilitators for the participation of individuals and communities in the energy system, promoting self-consumption and contributing to the social acceptance of renewable energy initiatives, among other direct and indirect benefits. The main directives introducing energy communities into the EU legal system are RED II and ED 2019. This study, conducted as a part of a Horizon 2020-funded eCREW project, assessed the adaptability and implementability of these two directives within national legislation, along with the associated legal and administrative frameworks, utilizing evidence from Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. The comparative analysis also enhances the understanding of the concept of renewable energy communities and citizen energy communities, both in the EU and in nonmember countries. The results of the analysis revealed that none of the countries studied had yet completed the process of harmonizing their legislation concerning energy communities.

scholarly journals Are We on the Right Track? Collective Self-Consumption and Energy Communities in the European Union

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12494
Author(s):  
Dorian Frieden ◽  
Andreas Tuerk ◽  
Ana Rita Antunes ◽  
Vasilakis Athanasios ◽  
Alexandros-Georgios Chronis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Electricity Market ◽  
National Level ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
The European Union ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Eu

To accelerate the energy transition, the EU “Clean Energy for all Europeans” package aims to strengthen the involvement of end consumers in the energy market. To this end, together with so-called “active consumers” and provisions for individual and collective renewable energy self-consumption, two types of energy communities were introduced. The EU framework, however, leaves many details of the transposition process to the national level. The corresponding directives were supposed to be transposed by the end of December 2020 (recast Electricity Market Directive, defining active consumers and citizen energy communities) and by the end of June 2021 (Renewable Energy Directive, defining renewables self-consumption and renewable energy communities). In this paper, we critically discuss major developments of the transposition, including questions of the general distinction of the different concepts, governance and ownership, physical expansion, administrative barriers and the overall integration of energy communities into the energy system. The analysis builds on country case studies as well as on previous work by the authors on the status of the transposition process throughout the EU. The paper shows that the national approaches differ greatly and are at very different stages. While basic provisions are in place in most Member States to meet the fundamental EU requirements, the overall integration into the energy system and market is only partly addressed. This concerns, for instance, the analysis of system impacts of energy communities and measures that would allow and support energy system-friendly behaviour. In addition, several practical hurdles need to be overcome. These often relate to administrative requirements such as complex registration and licensing procedures, the need for the involvement of several institutions, or difficult procedures for access to relevant data. The paper concludes that discussed barriers will need to be carefully addressed if the high expectations for the role of energy communities are to be met.

scholarly journals Renewable energy resources in the EU (Policy scenario)

2013 ◽  
pp. 143-146
Author(s):  
Orsolya Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Eu

The use of renewable energies has a long past, even though its share of the total energy use is rather low in European terms. However, the tendencies are definitely favourable which is further strengthened by the dedication of the European Union to sustainable development and combat against climate change. The European Union is on the right track in achieving its goal which is to be able to cover 20% its energy need from renewable energy resources by 2020. The increased use of wind, solar, water, tidal, geothermal and biomass energy will reduce the energy import dependence of the European Union and it will stimulate innovation.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF WAYS FOR DECARBONIZATION OF THE EU HEATING SECTOR (REVIEW)

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 93-101
Author(s):  
T.A. Zheliezna ◽  
A.I. Bashtovyi
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Heat Supply ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
District Heating ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Heating Systems ◽  
The Eu

The aim of the work is to analyze possible ways of decarbonization of the EU heat supply sector. The task of the work is to identify the most promising areas and develop appropriate recommendations for Ukraine. The heat supply sector of the EU and Ukraine needs decarbonization, for which there is a big potential and different areas of implementation of relevant measures. In Europe, such a strategy is set out in the Roadmap for decarbonization of the EU heating sector until 2050, the main provisions of which are in line with objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU Strategy on Heating and Cooling. European experts have developed the concept of a smart energy system, which was taken into account when preparing the Roadmap for decarbonization of the EU heating sector until 2050. A number of carried out studies have shown that a smart energy system with 50% district heating integrated with other parts of the overall energy system is more efficient than a conventional energy system or the one based on decentralized heat supply, in terms of the possibility of using a high share of renewable energy. It is recommended for Ukraine to finalize the Concept of green energy transition until 2050, taking into account European approaches to the development of heating systems and the use of modern biofuels. It is also recommended to expand the current Concept of heat supply of Ukraine to the level of a strategy with an emphasis on the development of district heating systems, wide involvement of renewable energy sources and new technologies.

scholarly journals The geopolitics of the European Green Deal

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-235
Author(s):  
Mark Leonard ◽  
◽  
Jean Pisani-Ferry ◽  
Jeremy Shapiro ◽  
Simone Tagliapietra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Trade Patterns ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Border Adjustment

The European Green Deal is a plan to decarbonise the EU economy by 2050, revolutionise the EU’s energy system, profoundly transform the economy and inspire efforts to combat climate change. But the plan will also have profound geopolitical repercussions. The Green Deal will affect geopolitics through its impact on the EU energy balance and global markets; on oil and gas-producing countries in the EU neighbourhood; on European energy security; and on global trade patterns, notably via the carbon border adjustment mechanism. At least some of these changes are likely to impact partner countries adversely. The EU needs to wake up to the consequences abroad of its domestic decisions. It should prepare to help manage the geopolitical aspects of the European Green Deal. Relationships with important neighbourhood countries such as Russia and Algeria, and with global players including the United States, China and Saudi Arabia, are central to this effort, which can be structured around seven actions: 1) Help neighbouring oil and gas-exporting countries manage the repercussions of the European Green Deal. The EU should engage with these countries to foster their economic diversification, including into renewable energy and green hydrogen that could in the future be exported to Europe; 2) Improve the security of critical raw materials supply and limit dependence, first and foremost on China. Essential measures include greater supply diversification, increased recycling volumes and substitution of critical materials; 3) Work with the US and other partners to establish a ‘climate club’ whose members will apply similar carbon border adjustment measures. All countries, including China, would be welcome to join if they commit to abide by the club's objectives and rules; 4) Become a global standard-setter for the energy transition, particularly in hydrogen and green bonds. Requiring compliance with strict environmental regulations as a condition to access the EU market will be strong encouragement to go green for all countries; 5) Internationalise the European Green Deal by mobilising the EU budget, the EU Recovery and Resilience Fund, and EU development policy; 6) Promote global coalitions for climate change mitigation, for example through a global coalition for the permafrost, which would fund measures to contain the permafrost thaw; 7) Promote a global platform on the new economics of climate action to share lessons learned and best practices.

scholarly journals Renewable energy and adaptation to climate change

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-121
Author(s):  
Marta Stoian
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Current Climate ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
The Impact

Climate change is an unprecedented challenge in human history. It requires further immediate and concerted action. Understanding the stage of development of each energy resource, as the impact on the energy system to make informed decisions and prescribe a healthy energy future has thus become a priority. Decisions such as the phasing out of fossil fuels and the transition to an efficient and 100% renewable energy system, as well as increasing the storage capacity of greenhouse gases using environmentally sustainable approaches, maintaining natural ecosystems that generate environmental services, and restoring the degraded ones are now a top issue. Therefore, the relationship between energy and environmental policy is becoming essential. Accordingly, this paper will focus on the transition to renewable energy, the adaptation to climate change and the energy transition at EU level being strenuously debated, in order to build a holistic context of the actual situation. Adaptation to climate change requests a complex scientific study, given the diversity of uncertainties involved, and the interconnections between different areas, such as agriculture, sustainable development or energy industry. Therefore, the aim of research is to provide holistic understanding of the current climate issues, according to the mentioned fields. In this context, it is emphasized the benefits of clean energy by investigating the methods for achieving a prolific energy transition, from a conventional to a sustainable one. Carefully analysing the commitments and the transition to a low-carbon electricity system looking behind the causes and studying closely the underlying elements of all these topics, using the qualitative research method as a basis to indulge in further analysis and research, it was outlined a detailed analysis of the current climate context. In conclusion, the effect of the pressure brought into play by human exploitation of goods and services on the ecosystems was associated with the ongoing concerns of environmental degradation, climatic variations, natural and ecological distortions, and financial setbacks. Taking into account the drive toward accomplishing sustainable development and environmental quality, powerful policies are being implemented, but given the variety of investment conditions in each country and including the different characteristics of the financial markets, there is no unique solution that works for everybody. Therefore, the transition to a more sustainable energy system has a verity of implications but it is an essential condition for sustainable development.

scholarly journals Analysis on the Development of German Renewable Energy by Interdependency Theory

2021 ◽  
Vol 241 ◽  
pp. 04002
Author(s):  
Yang Mei
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Structural Change ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
The Other ◽  
International Negotiation ◽  
The Face ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The One

In the face of climate change, it is urgent to transform the energy system. Germany has played an important role in the development of renewable energy. Hence, it is necessary to figure out why Germany makes structural change in its energy sector in order to have a better understand on the current situation and the future development of renewable energy. Adopting the theory of interdependence, this paper analyzes the motivation of Germany’s energy transition. It demonstrates that Germany on the one hand endeavors to reduce its energy dependence on other countries and increase other countries’ dependence on it in the field of renewable energy, on the other hand. Thereby Germany would get more advantage in international negotiation and competition. This paper reveals the principle of interdependence in energy transition, which provides a new perspective to discuss the politics of climate change.

scholarly journals Harmonization of the National Legislation on Cosmetic Products in the Context of the Standardization of the European Legislation in the Field

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Cristina-Luiza Erimia
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Cosmetic Products ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Alternative Testing ◽  
High Level ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Eu

Considering the concern of the European Union to implement an internal market for cosmetic products which also ensures a high level of human health protection and that cosmetics is one of the industrial activities in the EU affected by counterfeiting, which may increase the risks to human health, this article examines how European horizontal legislation is implemented in national law. This article aims to present the legal instruments created at EU level to consolidate the safety of cosmetic products and to strengthen the surveillance of the cosmetic products introduced on the market, but also to protect consumers, taking into account that in order to ensure an effective control of the market it is necessary to have a high degree of administrative cooperation between the competent authorities of the Member States. Moreover, the article aims to present the active role undertaken by the cosmetics industry in developing alternative testing methods within the Horizon 2020 Programme.

The Climate Change Policy: The Position of the European Union

1998 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-461
Author(s):  
Peter Palinkas
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Greenhouse Gases ◽  
Climate Change Policy ◽  
Emission Trading ◽  
Active Role ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Change Policy ◽  
The Eu

The EU has always tried to play a major role in coordinating the activities of its now 15 Member States in the broad area of climate change policy. This active role of the EU was demonstrated in the first climate protection negotiations (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), the follow-up conferences (Berlin 1995 and Geneva 1996) and finally at the Kyoto-Conference in December 1997. At the Kyoto-Conference the EU negotiators had to abandon their original negotiating position of 15% reduction based on three greenhouse gases. The final Protocol requires a collective EU reduction by 8% based on 6 gases. This modification is, however, closer to the initial EU position than it indicates, since the final commitment based on six gases is roughly equivalent to a 13% reduction based on 3 gases only. Further compromise made by the EU was on the issue of differentiation. Keeping the “EU-bubble” approach, the EU had to accept country-specific reduction targets as initially proposed by the Japanese delegation. The EU also had to agree on including emissions-trading and joint implementation in the Protocol. During the negotiations EU representatives expressed their concern that trading must not become a substitute for any domestic actions. Consequently, in the Protocol any emission trading is declared as supplementary to domestic actions. Despite the number of unavoidable concessions made by the EU negotiators, the European Commission recognized that the Kyoto protocol is an important first step toward reversing the upward trend in the emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the EU Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard expressed a certain disappointment in not reaching agreement on even more ambitious commitments.

scholarly journals Analyzing Similarities between the European Union Countries in Terms of the Structure and Volume of Energy Production from Renewable Energy Sources

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarosław Brodny ◽  
Magdalena Tutak
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
The Eu

The European Union (EU) countries, as one of the most economically developed regions in the world, are taking increasingly decisive actions to reduce the emission of harmful substances into the natural environment. This can be exemplified by a new climate strategy referred to as “The European Green Deal”. Its basic assumption is that the EU countries will have achieved climate neutrality by 2050. To do so, it is necessary to make an energy transition involving the widest possible use of renewable energy sources (RES) for energy production. However, activities in this area should be preceded by analyses due to the large diversity of the EU countries in terms of economic development, the number of inhabitants and their wealth as well as geographical location and area. The results of such analyses should support the implementation of adopted strategies. In order to assess the current state of the energy sector in the EU and indicate future directions of activities, research was carried out to analyze the structure and volume of energy production from RES in the EU countries. The aim of the study was to divide the EU countries into similar groups by the structure and volume of energy production from RES. This production was compared with the number of inhabitants of each EU country, its area and the value of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This approach allows a new and broader view of the structure of energy production from RES and creates an opportunity to take into account additional factors when developing and implementing new climate strategies. The k-means algorithm was used for the analysis. The presented analyses and obtained results constitute a new approach to studying the diversified energy market in the EU. The results should be used for the development of a common energy and climate policy and economic integration of the EU countries.

scholarly journals Renewable Energy in the Pomerania Voivodeship—Institutional, Economic, Environmental and Physical Aspects in Light of EU Energy Transformation

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (24) ◽  
pp. 8221
Author(s):  
Bartłomiej Iglinski ◽  
Karol Flisikowski ◽  
Michał Bernard Pietrzak ◽  
Urszula Kiełkowska ◽  
Mateusz Skrzatek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Energy Transformation ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Research Hypothesis ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
The Eu

In the era of globalization and rapid economic growth, affecting most world economies, increased production and consumption are leading to higher levels of energy production and consumption. The growing demand for energy means that energy resources from conventional sources are not sufficient; moreover, its production generates high costs and contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases and waste. In view of the above, many countries have opted to implement an energy transformation. The energy transition allows the transition from an energy system based on conventional fuels to an energy system based mainly on renewable energy (RE) and low-emission sources. In the EU, the development of a “green economy” has become a strategic goal in the fight against climate change. The development of RE offers the possibility to improve the energy security of a given country and the entire EU. New, innovative technologies of RE also increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of the economies of the Member States. In line with the EU strategy, the activities carried out aim to achieve a situation in which, in 2050, the activities of economies will not endanger the environment. The main purpose of this article was the assessment of the RE sector in the Pomerania region in the context of energy transformation. To achieve this goal, PEST analysis regarding the functioning of the RE sector in the selected Polish region was used and the potential of the RE sector was determined using GIS tools on the basis of physical conditions. The article presents the research hypothesis that the RE sector within the Pomerania Voivodeship possesses appropriate energy potential, which will allow this Voivodeship to become an energy self-sufficient region based on the use of these energy sources (according to EU strategy). The implementation of the goal set in the article allowed for the verification of the research hypothesis, where the determined energy potential from the RE sector would cover the Voivodeship’s needs due to the use of electricity and heat. The conducted research shows that the RE sector in these regions has high energy potential to meet the criteria outlined in EU legal documents and to implement them successfully within the intended period.

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