COM(2008) 241and COM(2009) 111: ICT for Energy Efficiency
The Commission has recognized that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and ICT-based innovations may provide one of the potentially most cost-effective means for Member States to achieve the 2020 target.
Two Communications adopted in May 2008 [COM(2008) 241] and in March 2009 [COM(2009) 111] are a first step towards creating a policy framework that will allow the energy-saving potential of ICTs to be widely recognized and exploited. With the right policy framework, ICTs can enable a new revolution in energy efficiency:
- COM(2008) 241 Addressing the challenge of energy efficiency through Information and Communication Technologies
- COM(2009) 111 on mobilising Information and Communication Technologies to facilitate the transition to an energy-efficient, low-carbon economy
The opportunities for energy-savings are clear and wide-reaching - but there are challenges we will need to overcome.
Energy use by ICT equipment and services currently accounts for about 8% of electrical power consumption in the EU and about 2% of carbon emissions. Reducing the footprint of ICTs themselves is the first challenge.
ICTs can contribute to improve energy efficiency across the whole economy and thus help reducing the other 98% of carbon emissions. The use of ICT in monitoring and controlling energy consumption and in making actual consumption, or even expenditure, visible to consumers. Smart-meters, for example can provide consumers the information they need to change their energy-consuming habits. Reducing the footprint of other sectors through ICT enabled energy-efficiency gains is the second challenge.
ICTs can enable changes in business models, working practices and lifestyles that are inherently more energy-efficient. The Internet, for example, has enabled the substitution of physical products and processes by digital ones. Moving to new ICT-enabled business models, working practices and lifestyles is the third challenge.
