Highlights

Can we save energy by changing our behaviour?

Iben Stanhardt — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0200

In 2010, European households consumed almost 13 % more energy than two decades ago and generated 25 % of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. This trend must be reversed for the EU to reach its goal of reducing primary energy consumption by 20 % by 2020. Today, the European Environment Agency (EEA) publishes a report which investigates what it takes to achieve energy savings through changing consumer behaviour and launches an online survey to know more about society's views on the topic.

Households and industry responsible for half of EU greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels

Arthur Girling — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:55:00 +0100

Households and industry in the EU each cause approximately a quarter of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The two sectors were largely responsible for the emissions increase in 2010, together leading to an additional 90 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared to 2009.

EU greenhouse gases in 2011: more countries on track to meet Kyoto targets, emissions fall 2.5 %

Arthur Girling — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:00:00 +0200

Emissions of greenhouse gases in the European Union (EU) fell on average by 2.5 % from 2010 to 2011, although several countries increased emissions. Almost all European countries are individually on track towards their commitments under the Kyoto Protocol compared to last year, according to two reports published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Higher EU greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 due to economic recovery and cold winter

Arthur Girling — Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Greenhouse gas emissions increased in 2010, as a result of both economic recovery in many countries after the 2009 recession and a colder winter. Nonetheless, emissions growth was somewhat contained by continued strong growth in renewable energy sources. These figures from the greenhouse gas inventory published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) today confirm earlier EEA estimates.

Homes responsible for one quarter of European greenhouse emissions from energy

Arthur Girling — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0100

Home energy use is responsible overall for 25 % of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU), according to a new analysis from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report calculates emissions based on their 'end use', or the sector using the energy. Homes in the EU only emit 12 % of energy emissions directly, but this doubles when related emissions from power plants and district heating are factored in.

Huge renewable energy growth this decade, if EU countries meet projections

Arthur Girling — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0100

Offshore wind energy capacity in Europe is projected to increase 17-fold between 2010 and 2020, while newer renewable technologies such as concentrated solar power and wave/tidal power will also increase more than 11-fold according to projections. European countries are also expected to significantly boost solar photovoltaic power, onshore wind and other renewable technologies over the next decade.

EU greenhouse gas emissions estimated to increase in 2010, but long-term decrease expected to continue

Arthur Girling — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:30:00 +0200

The European Union remains well on track to achieve its Kyoto Protocol target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions despite a 2.4 % emissions increase in 2010, according to first estimates by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The 2010 increase follows a 7 % drop in 2009, largely due to the economic recession and growth of renewable energy generation.

Recession and renewables cut greenhouse emissions in 2009

Iben Stanhardt — Tue, 31 May 2011 11:30:00 +0200

Greenhouse gas emissions decreased very sharply in 2009, by 7.1 % in the EU-27 and 6.9 % in the EU-15. These most recent results, compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), confirm estimates made by the EEA last year. This decrease was largely the result of the economic recession of 2009, but also sustained strong growth in renewable energy.

Nuclear accident in Japan: where to get up-to-date information

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:00:00 +0200

Following the massive earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011, a number of explosions and fires took place at the reactor buildings of Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Japan declared a state of alert and reported leaks of radioactive material. Given the magnitude and the global dimension of the disaster, Japanese authorities and the international community are following the situation very closely. A series of sources provide the public with up-to-date information on the accident's possible impacts on Europe's environment as well as radiation measurements across Europe.

Renewable energy production must grow fast to reach the 2020 target

Iben Stanhardt — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:30:00 +0100

Europe has committed to obtain 20 % of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. An analysis of the 27 EU Member State action plans shows that renewable energy output is projected to grow by 6 % per year on average. Wind power, solar electricity and biofuels are foreseen to contribute with the highest growth rates. If all Member States follow the trajectory outlined in their plans, the EU will exceed its 20 % renewable energy target by 0.7 percentage points.

Taking a closer look at Europe's renewable energy plans for 2020

Iben Stanhardt — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:50:00 +0200

Europe is committed to obtaining 20 % of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. But how is the responsibility for reaching this common target shared among EU countries? And how will individual countries achieve their targets? The European Environment Agency (EEA) provides answers to such questions via a database, which facilitates the comparison of figures across technologies and between Member States.

Business as usual not an option for the energy system

Oscar Romero Sanchez — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0100

80 % of the greenhouse gas emissions in Europe still come from the energy sector, warns a report from the European Environment Agency released today. The sector continues to have significant impacts on the environment, despite the fact that more efficient production of electricity and heat, together with an increased share of renewable energy sources and replacement of coal and oil with gas are gradually contributing to cut emissions of greenhouse gas and air pollutants in Europe.

How to optimise the use of bioenergy for Europe’s climate efforts

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:03:08 +0100

Bioenergy can substantially reduce Europe's greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to achieving the EU's renewable energy target, says a new report by the European Environment Agency. Such benefits, however, can only be realised if policy and economic incentives are in place to minimise the potential negative impacts of bioenergy production.

High potential to cut air pollution from Europe's power plants

Oscar Romero Sanchez — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:30:00 +0200

Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) from large combustion plants (LCP) could have been considerably lower in 2004, a report presented today by the European Environment Agency says.

EEA unveils preliminary EU inventory of greenhouse gas emissions

Oscar Romero Sanchez — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:20:00 +0200

Provisional greenhouse gas emissions data compiled by the EEA show that EU-15 Member States reduced their emissions by 0.9 % between 2005 and 2006. EU-27 emissions are now 7.4 % below 1990 levels.