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EU Reaches Agreement to Cut Energy Use by 11.7% by 2030

The European Union has agreed to reduce final energy consumption across member states by 11.7% by 2030, aiming to combat climate change and reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels.

The deal was reached after an all-night negotiation session between EU country representatives and the European Parliament.

Achieving this target will require countries to renovate millions of inefficient buildings to minimize energy waste, as buildings contribute to one-third of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions.

With most European buildings currently heated by fossil fuels, this goal is vital for the EU’s broader climate strategy.

“This will mean real change for the benefit of the climate and disadvantage of Putin,” said Niels Fuglsang, the lead negotiator for the European Parliament.

The agreement mandates that energy consumption by end-users—such as households and factories—should be 11.7% lower in 2030 than projected.

Originally, the EU had proposed a 9% reduction target in 2021, but increased it to 13% last May to accelerate the transition away from Russian energy after the invasion of Ukraine.

The final 11.7% goal represents a compromise between the EU Parliament, which sought a 14% reduction, and some member countries who wanted to stick with the original 9% target.

The target is legally binding, with member countries required to set their own non-binding national goals. If the combined goals do not meet the 11.7% target, the European Commission will enforce corrections.

From 2024 to 2030, countries will need to reduce their final energy consumption by an average of 1.49% each year.

Additionally, member states must accelerate the renovation of public buildings, ensuring at least 3% of the total floor area of publicly-owned buildings is renovated annually.

The deal will now proceed to the European Parliament and EU member countries for a final vote, a step usually considered a formality that ratifies the law without further amendments.

By setting ambitious energy-saving targets, the EU aims to drive down greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy efficiency, and reduce its dependency on Russian energy supplies, fostering a more sustainable and secure future for Europe.