Making Energy Efficiency First principle operational

Reaching the EU’s clean energy goals
Part of the EU Green Deal's ambition of climate neutrality by 2050, the 'efficiency first' (E1st) principle is being incorporated into policymaking, planning and investment processes related to energy systems at all levels. E1st is about achieving a more integrated view of energy systems, considering options on the supply side and demand side while ensuring a level playing field. A paradigm shift is required to consider more systematically the multiple impacts of investment decisions related to energy systems, as well as multiple time frames. The EU-funded ENEFIRST project aims to walk the talk in making E1st more concrete and operational, combining policy analysis and quantitative assessments through modelling, to provide hands-on examples and practical guidelines supporting the implementation of E1st.