Title: Prospects for a sustainable energy future in the European Union

Authors: Ute Collier

Addresses: WWF-UK, Panda House, Weyside Park, Catteshall Lane, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1XR, UK

Abstract: The European Union|s Fifth Environmental Action Programme has designated the energy sector as one of the five sectors particularly crucial on the path |Towards Sustainability|. This paper examines energy policy developments at EU level and in five member states (Germany, UK, France, Italy and Spain), focusing on a number of sustainability indicators (carbon dioxide emissions, energy efficiency and renewable energies). The aim is to identify the main constraints on, as well as facilitating factors for their improvement. While there are differences between the five countries, some general observations can be made. The paper argues that while there has been much rhetoric about sustainable development, and some small steps in the right direction are being taken, there is no evidence of a substantial shift towards a more sustainable energy policy.

Keywords: energy efficiency; EU energy policy; renewable energy; sustainable development; European Union; sustainability indicators; Germany; UK; United Kingdom; France; Italy; Spain; sustainable energy policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.1998.063304

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 1998 Vol.10 No.2/3/4, pp.254 - 265

Published online: 09 Jul 2014 *

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