ENEA at the forefront of energy efficiency: an innovative project for Europe's energy future

ENEA is taking a leading role in a highly relevant European initiative, collaborating closely with 7 other European partners on an ambitious project spanning three years.

At the heart of this project is the promotion of the "Energy Efficiency First" principle, a cornerstone in energy policies that extends both nationally and regionally. The foundation of this initiative lies in EU Directive 2023/1791, an innovative regulation establishing energy efficiency as the primary and most important intervention strategy for both public and private entities.

Energy efficiency: transforming transport systems and industrial innovation

This new paradigm implies a preference for energy savings through building optimization, transforming transport systems, and innovation in industry, before exploring the adoption of new energy sources or constructing new energy infrastructures.

The project, named ENEFIRST PLUS, is coordinated by the Institute for European Energy and Climate Policy, based in the Netherlands. The action plan includes implementing four pilot cases, which will be carried out in 4 EU countries: Italy, Greece, Poland, and Croatia.

Each of these pilot cases represents a unique opportunity to experiment and validate the strategies and practices promoted by the directive in different contexts.

The principle of energy efficiency, now formalized and invested with legal authority through the directive, imposes tangible commitments on Member States.

Among these, the creation of a dedicated portal and the development of communities of practice are particularly significant. These communities, consisting of various stakeholders, will be responsible for sharing and disseminating best practices, as well as enhancing collective knowledge on opportunities and tools available to improve energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency: the crucial role of ENEA

In the framework of this project, ENEA will play a crucial role in managing the Italian pilot case. The objective will be to assess, both qualitatively and through cost-benefit analysis, to what extent the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs), adopted at the local level, align with the principles of Energy Efficiency First.

In addition to this, ENEA will have a central role in organizing periodic roundtable discussions, where representatives from public and private entities, businesses, and regulatory bodies will convene to share successful experiences and initiatives.

These meetings aim to provide vital inputs to policymakers, enabling them to align national energy strategies consistently with efficiency principles.

Finally, ENEA will also contribute to the comprehensive analysis of pilot cases developed by project partners.