The JRC is also assessing the role of technology innovation and the policy options for the reduction of energy consumption of end-use products, with special focus on sustainable product policies, in particular the Eco-design and Energy Labelling and indirectly the Circular Economy. These are key EU energy efficiency policies in the third pillar of the Energy Union, i.e. the moderation of the energy demand. These policies are expected to deliver by 2020 half of the energy efficiency target.
The JRC analyses the current energy consumption of key products in different sectors and the technical and economic energy efficiency potential, including the typical load profiles of electricity consumption. It also develops methodologies and indicators to measure energy savings and investigates innovative policies, financing and business models for the adoption of high efficient equipment and systems through e.g. energy saving companies (ESCOs).
Special emphasis is placed on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), motors and drives, smart and connected appliances, and lighting. In ICT the research is focused on technologies to reduce the fast growing energy consumption associated to the internet and cloud computing usage. In particular it covers broadband equipment and data centers, including servers, storage and networking equipment. The work on data centers is not yet covered by the Eco-design measure and therefore of particular importance due to the uniqueness of this research at European level.
Of particular importance are the further development of the European Codes of Conduct for energy efficiency in ICT as a unique research and implementation action carried out with collaboration with major industry stakeholders and research centers. The research includes the participation in and contribution to the development of international (IEC) and European standards (CEN/Cenelec) on energy efficiency measurement methods.
Findings are shared through in JRC reports, including the Status Report on Energy Efficiency, and peer-review publications. The data collected feed into the JRC Energy Efficiency Platform (E3P).
Go to Energy Consumption and Energy Efficiency Trends in the EU-28 (2000-2014)
Conferences
The JRC co-organises biannually two conferences in the area of Energy Efficiency in Products.
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- Energy Efficiency in Domestic Appliances and Lighting – EEDAL
This event provides a forum to discuss and debate the latest developments in energy and environmental impact of residential appliances and lighting, heating and cooling equipment, ITC equipment, smart meters and smart grids, consumer behaviour, the policies and programmes adopted and planned, as well as the technical and commercial advances in the dissemination and penetration of technologies and solutions, particularly: energy efficient residential appliances, consumer electronics and ICT, heating and cooling equipment and lighting.
Go to EEDAL 2017
Go to EEDAL 2016
Go to EEDAL 2015 proceedings
- Energy Efficiency in Motor Driven Systems – EEMODS
EEMODS provides a forum to discuss and debate the latest developments in the impacts of electrical motor systems on energy and the environment, the energy efficiency policies, standards (including ISO 50.001) and programs adopted and planned, and the technical and commercial advances made in the dissemination and penetration of energy-efficient motor systems.
Go to EEMODS 2017
Go to EEMODS 2016
Go to EEMODS 2015 proceedings
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