Energy Services Market in the EU

Abstract

The need to improve energy efficiency in buildings due to carbon and energy security goals, increased sustainability and reduction of energy costs has created a demand for energy efficiency and energy service providers. Over the years the concept of energy service and energy service company (ESCO) has evolved and matured in several markets in the EU. Energy services and ESCOs are particular active in commercial buildings. There is a large variety of energy services offered under different contractual arrangements and different financing schemes, both for the public and private sector. The papers summarize recent developments in energy services markets in EU countries with particular focus on non-residential buildings, and analyses the existing barriers and future expectations. The paper highlights that ESCOs are important actors to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings, however they cannot be expected to be the only players to deliver energy efficiency. The paper offers also some recommendation on how to expand the ESCO market for non-resiential buildings in coordination with other policy instruments.