Bogdan Tudorache

In 2018, energy consumption in the European Union of 27 Member States (EU) remained stable. Primary energy consumption reached 1,376 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe), 0.71% less than the previous year, while final energy consumption reached 990 Mtoe, 0.02% more compared with 2017, according to Eurostat.

Primary and final energy consumption still 5% and 3% away from 2020 targets.

The EU has an energy efficiency target of reducing energy consumption by 20% by 2020. The primary energy consumption should amount to no more than 1,312 Mtoe and final energy consumption to no more than 959 Mtoe in 2020. The EU energy efficiency target for 2030 aims at a primary energy consumption of no more than 1,128 Mtoe and a final energy consumption of no more than 846 Mtoe. Primary energy consumption measures total domestic energy demand, while final energy consumption refers to what end users actually consume. The difference relates mainly to what the energy sector needs itself and to transformation and distribution losses. In 2018, primary energy consumption in the EU was 4.9% above the efficiency target for 2020 and 22.0% away from the 2030 target.