Mediterranean Action Plan

16
ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
Analyses developed in the national reports were based on the available statistics and
indicators. The countries were also asked to give information about the monitoring indicators
for the « energy and climate change » chapter of the MSSD (4 priority indicators and 14
supplementary ones: see indicator list in Attachments 6 and 7) while taking into account the
definitions in the files describing the indicators attached to the terms of reference, and
stipulating, if need be, the definitions used in the countries.
Monitoring of these indicators highlights the large trends observed with regard to changes,
energy use efficiency, as well as the efforts made to develop renewable energies, control of
greenhouse gases, the using of the Clean Development Mechanism included in the Kyoto
Protocol.
Box 6 Indicators: share of renewable energies and energy intensity in the Mediterranean countries
Despite signs of a decrease in energy intensity (annual average variation of -0.3% per annum
between 1992 and 2003), the reduction objectives of 1 to 2% per annum, as defined in the
MSSD, will probably not be reached. This trend hides great differences from one country to the
next, with results that are more or less encouraging. Tunisia, for instance, managed to reduce its
energy intensity by more than 1% per year on average between 1992 and 2003. Besides this,
compared to worldwide trends, (-1.6% per annum between 1992 and 2003), the Mediterranean
records a slower progression even if in absolute terms the Mediterranean has better performance
than the other parts of the world (in the Mediterranean in 2003, 151 pet (petrol equivalent tonne)
to produce 1 million dollars worth of GDP compared to 212 pet worldwide).
Despite a rise in quantity in renewable energies produced in absolute values (+3% per annum
between 2000 and 2004) and taking into account the simultaneous increase in demand, their
share in the energy balance sheet is stable and has even gone down (3.2% in 2004, biomass not
included). This is far from the MSSD objective of 7% RE (except for biomass) by 2015. It should,
however, be noted that there are significant signs of development such as wind energy in Spain
and solar powered water heaters in Cyprus, Turkey and Israel. In Europe, it should be pointed
out that the overall trend towards an increase in RE is more on the part of the non-Mediterranean
countries (Germany, Denmark). This being the case, the recent decision of the Energy
Committee to reach 20% of renewable energies in primary energy consumption by 2020 should
allow for larger integration in most of the northern Mediterranean countries. Deliberate, adapted
solutions, strategies and mechanisms still need to be put in place in the southern Mediterranean
countries.
5.2 Main pr oblems put forw ard in t he na ti ona l repor ts and
d iscussed during the Monaco w or kshop
The presentations of the reports during the workshop, as well as the discussions following
them highlighted the energy situations and challenges in the countries, progress in terms of
renewable energies and efficient energy use, the motivating factors, the obstacles, the
possible solutions and examples of good practices.
Different energy strategies can be observed in the countries depending on the availability of
energy sources and on the level of economic development. However, even if the experience
varies considerably, the countries all show an interest, at different levels, in developing
renewable energy and efficient energy use. This implies setting up an adequate institutional
and statutory framework.
5.2.1 An institutional framework for R E and EE under construction
Even if the great majority of the countries have adopted strategies or objectives for
developing renewable energies (sometimes defined by type of energy and type of
technology) and/or but to a lesser extent, strategies for energy efficiency, the presentations
showed contrasted situations. The energy potential of these countries is different and the
countries exporting fossil energies seem less determined to promote energy efficiency and
recourse to RE than those whose energy costs are high. Overall, there is more progress in
the promoting of RE than in EE, while the latter, paradoxically, would seem to be the more
cost-effective.