Strategic Directions of Romania in the Field of Energy Policy

Abstract

Beyond energy and climate policy, the energy union aims at a structural modernization of the European economy. It promotes the structural reform of the use of energy and resources in all key sectors: energy, with its central role, construction, transport, industry, agriculture and, more generally, land exploitation. Also, the energy union is an investment strategy, which has positive effects on the economy and employment and takes into account its impact on regions and vulnerable people. By focusing on energy efficiency and internal energy resources, it will strengthen the EU's position on world markets. The 2018 evaluation of the progress made by Member States towards meeting the national energy efficiency targets for 2020 and towards the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive shows that after a gradual decrease between 2007 and 2014, energy consumption has started to increase in the last years and, at present, it is a little over the linear path for the objectives set for 2020. This is due to the climatic changes, especially the colder years 2015 and 2016, but also the growth of the economic activity. and low oil prices. The energy intensity in the industry continued to improve by up to 22% between 2005 and 2017, and the energy savings indeed contributed to partially offset the impact of these increases. However, energy savings were not sufficient to maintain a downward trend in total consumption. Although the energy efficiency target set for 2020 is still achievable, the continued increase in energy consumption could jeopardize it. This is why the European Commission has set up a Task Force with Member States to mobilize efforts and fully exploit the potential for energy efficiency.