By HDK / Published on Mon, 2009-06-08 07:23
A pan-European survey of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) carried out in 2006 pointed at significant changes in some national markets over the last few years. ESCO markets across Europe show a particular degree of diversity. Some countries have a consolidated market (Hungary), in others the market is still immature without significant change (Estonia, Portugal), is just taking off the ground (Greece, Ireland) or is undergoing expansion (Italy, Austria), even boom (Czech Republic).
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By HDK / Published on Thu, 2009-06-04 08:35
Energy efficiency measures can be tailored to suit different customer segments, with a comparatively wide range of returns on investment. ESCOs are thought to be a key player facilitating the practical implementation of energy-efficient measures. However, limited awareness of end-users about the available technologies, as well as concerns on the availability and ease of obtaining funds to finance energy-efficient measures are limiting the diffusion of such technologies.
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By HDK / Published on Thu, 2009-06-04 08:30
In less than five years Energy Performance Contracting has conquered at least 5 % (<4 million m2 of ~80 million m2) of the public building stock in Sweden and the number of contracts is rapidly increasing. The paper analyses the strategy that has led to this dynamic development.
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By Angelo Baggini / Published on Fri, 2008-08-22 09:00
Year 2006
The Hungarian government announced a partnership with Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to improve the energy efficiency of buildings used for public education.
As announced, the ESCOs will upgrade the buildings' heating and lighting and insulation. Cash conserved from spending on energy bills will fund the installation and upkeep of further efficiency measures in public schools and profit the ESCOs.
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By Hans Nilsson / Published on Mon, 2008-05-19 05:00
“The market is a good servant but a bad master”. That is at least the old way of saying has it. Often attributed to Vaclav Havel, but also to the former Danish Energy minister Svend Auken. Whoever is to take credit for this saying, they come to mind when reading The Economist, where the issue is brought up; why is such a good product as energy efficiency so scarcely used? The low-hanging fruit, profitable and good for the environment, is just not picked.
The article arrives at the usual answer that there are some barriers. Well known and researched in detail, but still there and still hindering. So, is that all? Are we doomed to being inefficient and seeing the low-hanging fruit rot before our eyes instead of it being picked and enjoyed? If the market cannot master and cannot deliver, could there be something else that fails us?
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By Angelo Baggini / Published on Mon, 2008-05-12 17:36
Date Effective: 2006
Policy Status: In force
In 2006, the Ministry for Economic Development (formerly the Ministry for Productive Activities) established a working group where public and private organisations operating in the energy field are invited to find and propose solutions for achieving the national indicative target as indicated in the EU's Directive 2006/32/EC on Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Service.
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By Angelo Baggini / Published on Mon, 2008-05-12 17:33
Date Promulgated: 20 July 2004
Date Effective: 2 May 2005
Policy Status: In force
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