Energy Efficiency Directive
The revised Energy Efficiency Directive (EU/2023/1791) significantly raises the EU’s ambition on energy efficiency. It establishes ‘energy efficiency first’ as a fundamental principle of EU energy policy, giving it legal-standing for the first time. In practical terms, this means that energy efficiency must be considered by EU countries in all relevant policy and major investment decisions taken in the energy and non-energy sectors. Full implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive will be key for the EU to comply with the commitment of the Global Pledge to double the global rate of energy efficiency improvements from about 2% to over 4% by 2030.
F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 continues to allow the use of F-gas refrigerants (HFCs, HFOs and HCFOs) in certain chillers, air-conditioners and heat-pumps but with restrictions set out in Annex IV. F-gas refrigerants can continue to contribute to improving energy efficiency for heating and cooling.