18 June 2014: EU Energy Dependence Day – more energy efficiency, less energy dependence

From 18 June until 31 December 2014, the EU relied entirely on foreign energy imports. If the EU achieved a binding 40% energy efficiency target for 2030, the level of cost-effective savings in today’s economy, EU Energy Dependence Day would fall a full 4 months and 8 days later, on 26 October.

Eurostat estimated that importing energy cost the EU €421bn net in 2012, over €1.1bn every day. “This money would be better used investing in our homes, in our schools, in our hospitals,” stated Adrian Joyce, Secretary General of EuroACE. “The solution for reducing energy demand in the EU is staring at us in the face – with a 40% binding energy efficiency target supported by a binding sectoral target for buildings.”