Energy efficiency gap analysis
German Industry Initiative for Energy Efficiency (DENEFF)
2024
Can the goals of the Energy Efficiency Act be achieved by 2030? If yes, then how? We analysed these very questions for the German Industry Initiative for Energy Efficiency (DENEFF).
Energy consumption for industry, buildings and transport, in other words energy demand, has remained the same for the last 20 years. The 2023 Energy Efficiency Act stipulates that by 2030 end energy use and primary energy consumption should be reduced by almost 27 percent and almost 40 percent respectively in comparison to 2008.
Current measures would see a reduction in end energy use of 375 terawatt hours by 2030 compared to 2008. However, this represents only 56 percent of the necessary saving.
When it comes to primary energy consumption the current measures would lead to 90 percent of required savings being achieved. This can be attributed to the intense expansion of renewable electricity production.
Achieving efficiency goals by the year 2030 will require increased efforts and further instruments to be put in place. This includes an ambitious price policy and the consequent implementation of efficiency measures.
Our study examined the following three propositions:
Our calculations show that these three instruments could significantly contribute to the sinking of energy use. However, further action will be required.
On the basis of an energy scenario for the year 2030, it was estimated whether the goals set by the Energy Efficiency Act will be reached and how big the deficit might be. In addition, three instruments were described and their contribution to the closing of the gap estimated. For this purpose, Prognos’ business-as-usual scenario was used. This scenario takes into consideration energy and climate political instruments that are implemented up until 2023, or at least those that have been approved, including the amendment to the 2023 Buildings Energy Act.
To the study (PDF in German)
Project team: Dr Andreas Kemmler, Paurnima Kulkarni, Friedrich Seefeldt
Latest update: 24.05.2024
Senior Project Manager
Partner, Director
On behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), we conduct an annual analysis of the development of energy consumption in Switzerland.
The analysis for the Federal Office of Energy shows that final energy consumption has fallen significantly since 2000, mainly thanks to savings in space and process heating. At the same time, demand has risen in areas such as electrical appliances and building services. Consumption has not changed significantly since 2020.
How far have systems for storing and extracting CO2 developed in Europe? Our study for the German Environment Agency evaluated planned and ongoing CO2 capture projects in Europe, focusing on BECCUS and DACCUS projects.
Methane emissions from landfills are an often underestimated climate challenge. On commission by Kanadevia Inova, we investigated how these emissions develop over time and what levels they reach.
On behalf of the Energy Agency for Electrical Appliances (eae), Prognos annually examines the development in the efficiency of electrical appliances and their influence on energy consumption in Switzerland.
Prognos has been providing communications support for the network expansion of distribution network operator Schleswig-Holstein Netz since 2006.
In recent years, Europe has maintained its strong position in the global market for clean energy technologies, but faces growing competition. On behalf of the European Commission, we examined the competitiveness of these technologies.
How effective are EU cohesion and structural policies in driving green change in Europe? We examined this and other questions together with COWI, Milieu and CSIL on behalf of the European Commission (DG REGIO).
The Federal Ministry of Economics promotes digital technologies that drive forward the economy’s green transformation. Together with partners, we are responsible for the accompanying research.
Traffic jams and train delays increased significantly. But there were slight improvements in all other dimensions of the ADAC Mobility Index 2025.
We combine economic research and strategy consulting for sustainable decisions in politics, business and society. Our robust data, precise analyses and scientifically based findings enable fact-based progress – financially independent, politically neutral.
