Develop a framework for operationalising E1st in the EU
ENEFIRST will develop a framework for operationalising E1st in the EU and its MS, draft definitions on the principle and content, barriers and explore best practices, taking into account the governance structures, the operationalisation steps, the practical implementation and finally the relevance for the European framework.
Check our infographic to get a glimpse on our first results
Boundaries explored in depth
Furthermore, the boundaries are explored in depth in the form of barriers to realising E1st in the EU in several policy areas that are linked to energy efficiency in the buildings sector (legal and regulatory; institutional capacity, regulatory, considering the way that energy planning and the related policy take place including multilevel governance; to economic and social/cultural barriers (in relation to buildings, heating systems, etc.).
Read our report on the barriers to E1st implementation here
Quantitative analysis
The qualitative knowledge and background assimilated is followed by a quantitative analysis. ENEFIRST will develop an energy system cost approach to E1st (based on quantitative bottom-up energy system modelling) and expand this approach further to a multi-criteria analysis focusing on trade-offs between end-use efficiency and network/supply options on the one hand, as well as enhancing efficiency on the energy supply side on the other hand.
5 concrete case studies
From the estimations on the two options, we will model 5 concrete case studies (such as the building renovation and the grid expansion in specific areas and others) and validate the operationalisation of the E1st principle. The modelling will be carried out with FORECAST Appliances (energy demand from electric appliances), ENERTILE (European electricity sector model), eLoad (demand response model), INVERT (buildings) and a model for heat grids.
ENEFIRST will screen different policy areas
At a policy level, ENEFIRST will screen different policy areas (such as buildings renovation, heat policy, renewable policies, capacity markets, tariffs, and energy networks) for the application of the E1st (on the energy demand and supply sides) and design a set of policy options for implementing E1st in EU MS focusing on specific case studies. More specifically, based on the best practices collected at the project start, we will analyse through stakeholder consultation the most suitable policy areas for the implementation of the E1st principle (such as buildings, heating, capacity markets, tariffs and energy networks).
The research will produce guidelines for policy design
The research on these areas will produce guidelines for policy design for E1st principle (focusing on buildings) and an identification of the risks, barriers, integration challenges, motivation and timing for policy introduction for specific EU MS.
Analysis and policy lessons
We will then analyse and provide policy lessons for transferring these policies in EU MS. Starting from the national policy contexts of EU MS, we will identify the preconditions for implementing the E1st principle, analysing the design characteristics of such policy instruments, setting the transferring process required for policy adaptation in 3 EU MS/regions selected and finally synthesising the knowledge to provide concrete policy recommendations.
Workshops, events and consultation practices
An important element of the project is the information and best practices exchange through workshops, events and consultation practices.
Check our event page