Do we have effective energy efficiency polices for the transport sector? Results and recommendations from an analysis of the national and sustainable energy action plans

Panel: 4. Mobility, transport, and smart and sustainable cities

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Maria Ntovantzi, European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC) Ispra, Italy
Craig Lee Morton, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Paolo Bertoldi, European Commission JRC
Silvia Rivas, European Commission JRC
Marina Economidou, European Commission JRC
Albana Kona, European Commission JRC
Tiago Serrenho, European Commission JRC

Abstract

Transport is responsible for about 30% of total EU primary consumption. Transport is the only sector in the EU where the energy consumption has increased in recent years and this trend is predicted to continue. The EU, EU Member States and local authorities have introduced policies and measures to increase energy efficiency in the transport sector. However these policies have not been successful in reducing energy consumption, this is also partly due also to the rebound effect.

The present paper presents, discusses and evaluates the current energy efficiency policies for the transport sector, mainly focusing on road transport. This analysis starts from the analysis of the EU policies, which mainly focus on car CO2 standards. Then the paper analyses the most common Member States’ polices for the transport sector as described in the first National Energy Efficiency Action Plan submitted by Member States in 2014 in the frame of the Energy Efficiency Directive. Finally the paper investigates the measures for the transport sector as adopted by cities and local authorities in the Sustainable Energy Plan submitted in the frame of the Covenant of Mayors Initiative.

For the evaluation of transport policies, a simple methodology is utilized based on the experience in assessing transport polices in the MURE database and on an extensive literature review.

Using criteria such as scale and persistency of impact, transferability, link to other measures, ease and stability of financing and likelihood (or not) of rebound effects, we highlight best practice in Member States and cities. Based on the identified policy best practice the paper makes recommendations for policy packages for the transport sector both for Members States as well as for local authorities, including innovative policies. Recommendations for common additional EU policies for the transport sector are also presented and discussed in the paper.