Energy Efficiency Targets

The European Union has set a robust goal to decrease its final energy consumption by at least 11.7% by 2030, relative to projected energy use. This target is pivotal for advancing Europe's energy transition, underscoring the importance of energy efficiency as a multifaceted tool that not only reduces energy bills and environmental impact but also enhances quality of life, decreases dependency on imported fuels, and fosters economic growth within the EU. 

Improving energy efficiency across the entire energy supply chain, from production to end-use, is essential for unlocking these benefits. The EU's strategy emphasizes sectors with high energy-saving potential, including industry, public services, construction and renovation of buildings, transportation, and energy supply, alongside the adoption of a unified energy labelling system to facilitate these improvements.

The commitment to energy efficiency is seen as a long-term investment into the well-being of its citizens, the competitiveness of its businesses, and the health of the environment.

​However, it's crucial to ensure that the economic benefits derived from energy savings surpass the costs related to implementing renovations and efficiency measures. This balanced approach aims to sustainably reduce energy consumption while supporting the EU's broader goals of environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
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Target for 2030


On 25 July 2023, the EU officially concluded the legislative process to strengthen the Energy Efficiency Directive. The updated legislation, including the new binding target, entered into force in all EU countries on 10 October 2023.

This target sets the goal of reducing EU final energy consumption by 11.7% by 2030, compared to the projected energy use for 2030 (based on the 2020 reference scenario).

It translates into a primary energy consumption target of 992.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) and a final energy consumption target of 763 Mtoe by 2030.
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Compared to the previous targets (1128 Mtoe for primary energy and 846 Mtoe for final energy), the increased targets aim to reduce Europe’s 2030 energy use by roughly the equivalent of Spain’s current annual energy consumption.

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Targets for 2050


On 10-11 December 2020, the European Council confirmed the objective of a climate-neutral EU by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement. This means that the EU needs to update its climate and energy policy framework.

To that end, in December 2020 the European Council endorsed a binding EU target of a net domestic reduction of at least 55% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990.