Energy Community Treaty Drives Clean Energy Transition in SEE
The Energy Community Treaty, established in 2006, has marked a significant turning point in the energy landscape of South-East Europe and beyond. As of 1 January 2018, the entry into effect of the EU's Large Combustion Plants Directive (LCPD) and the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) signalled the beginning of the end for coal and lignite in the region.
The power sector in the Energy Community contracting parties faces its first major challenge: decarbonisation. With over 118 GW of installed capacity, including 62 GW of coal power plants with an average age of over 40 years, the transition to cleaner energy is crucial.
The Treaty's scope has expanded to encompass legislation on renewables, energy efficiency, pollution control, and climate change. This makes it a key policy vehicle for driving the clean energy transition in the SEE region. The 'Wachau Manifesto', issued in June 2018, officially reflects this shift.
To support this transition, an international technical working group called the 'Technical Working Group on Energy and Climate' (TWG Energy and Climate) has been established. This group aims to develop new joint climate and energy plans for 2030.
South-East Europe possesses vast, largely untapped technical renewable energy potential, equal to 740 GW. This can help advance the region towards sustainability and address pressing socio-economic issues. Globally, the energy transition is well underway, with renewables accounting for 70% of all investments in the power sector in 2017.
Coal power plants in the Western Balkans are among the most polluting and health-harming in Europe. If emissions are cut down, an estimated 6,460 lives could be saved each year. Subsidies for coal-related activities in many Energy Community countries need to be reassessed and redirected towards supporting a sustainable energy transition.
The Energy Community Treaty, now encompassing a broader range of energy and climate policies, is poised to drive the clean energy transition in South-East Europe. With significant renewable energy potential and the global momentum towards decarbonisation, the region can look forward to a more sustainable and healthier future.
Read also:
- International discussions on plastic waste management may depend on China's commitment to scale back their plastic manufacturing output.
- Science building at the university reduces yearly energy expenses by $1.2 million, maintaining environmental safety ventilation standards.
- Labour Unveils 2030 Energy Plan: Boost Renewables, Create Public Clean Energy Company
- Leading the Way in India's Green Revolution: CII Green Business Centre
