Overview

This year we will approach the EU energy markets from the bottom-up, starting with an overview of the national energy economies of the Northwest European Member States to get a "feel" for the transition tasks ahead. In most countries the power sector is targeted first for changing to a low-carbon profile, that is why we will also address the dynamic development of the solar value chain and its impact on EU power markets. However, in the period up to 2030, Member States will also have to begin addressing other sectors of the energy economy, such as the residential heating sector, industrial demand and transportation. A practical demonstration on possibilities on how to optimally balance energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction in existing buildings in this period of transition will be part of the programme. In the afternoon the Energy Union and EU ETS reforms are discussed. The programme will finish with a presentation on the upcoming Dutch Presidency of the European Council and the energy agenda in that period.