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History and prospect of voluntary agreements on industrial energy efficiency in Europe

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  • Cornelis, Erwin

Abstract

Since 1991, several European countries have concluded voluntary agreements on energy efficiency with industry. This paper assess whether such agreements can continue to stimulate energy efficiency in industry in the next decade. To this end, it analyses the existing agreements from three angles: their context to understand the motivations to start and (dis)continue agreements; their design to understand how they differ from other policy instruments and how effective they are in lifting barriers; their results to assess whether they continue to generate savings. As part of the analysis, the history of voluntary agreements in Europe is described.

Suggested Citation

  • Cornelis, Erwin, 2019. "History and prospect of voluntary agreements on industrial energy efficiency in Europe," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 567-582.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:132:y:2019:i:c:p:567-582
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.06.003
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