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Energy efficiency first principle under directive

An EU directive (EU) 2023/1791 on energy efficiency comes into force today (10 October).

It will require data-centre operators to state their power demands on a publicly available aggregated database.

The directive embeds the “energy efficiency first” principle, and states that energy supply and demand be made more efficient, by cost-effective end-use energy savings, demand-response initiatives and more efficient conversion, transmission and distribution of energy.

Energy-efficiency solutions must be assessed in planning, policy and major investment decisions worth more than €100 million, or €175 million for transport infrastructure projects.

Consumption

This covers energy consumption and energy efficiency sectors such as buildings, transport, water, information and communications technology (ICT), agriculture and financial sectors.

The directive increases the energy-efficiency target to be met across the EU in 2030 and revises energy-management system and energy-audit requirements.

District heating and cooling system requirements will change to increase integration of renewable energy and waste heat and cold.

Member states must promote local heating and cooling plans in municipalities with populations over 45,000.

Regulation on deforestation-free supply chains is already in force.