Preface
Energy service companies (ESCOs) are important agents to promote energy efficiency improvements. Although the European Commission and the Member States of the European Union (EU) have supported a number of policy initiatives to foster the ESCO industry, a recent survey of ESCO businesses in Europe has indicated that major differences exist in the development of the ESCO business among the various countries. The survey "ESCOs in Europe" covers EU-25, the New Accession Countries (NACs), Switzerland and Norway. With a few notable exceptions, such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, and to certain extent France, the ESCO industry is still in its infancy stage and ESCOs are struggling to get off the ground. Major differences exist among Member States not only in the development of national ESCO industries, but also in terms of actual type of ESCO projects (sectors, sizes, etc.) and their implementation (contractual terms, financing, etc.). This difference could be explained by several factors, such as different levels of support offered to ESCOs by national and regional energy authorities, local market structures and rules, and variation in the definitions, roles and activities of ESCOs.
This report reviews and analyses the development and the current status of ESCO industries in Europe. It builds on and summarizes the first results of an ongoing in-depth survey of ESCO businesses in Europe (EU-25, NACs and selected neighbouring countries) and analyses a selection of ESCO projects, both ongoing and completed. Based on the review and the analysis, areas of activity are identified and indication is given as to what action is likely to foster the further development of ESCOs in Europe. The strategic actions indicated build on successful experience in Europe or in individual Member States and are proposed with an eye to existing and planned legislative measures, such as the proposed Energy Service Directive and the implementation of the Kyoto flexible mechanisms.
This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretation and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors.
Other energy publications from the JRC can be found online at: re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/energyefficiency/publications1.htm
To find similar reports, click on a keyword below:
Building Certification
: Buildings
: ESCOs
: Energy Audits
: Energy Efficiency
: Energy Management
: Industry
: Publications
: Statistics
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