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Policy
Germany
1997
Vehicle Taxation
In March 1997, the German Parliament adopted an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act which took effect in July 1997. The amendment allowed for temporary exemptions of the annual motor-vehicle tax for low pollutant emissions cars (cars that meet the limit values laid down in the European Commissions proposal for the follow up Directive 94/12 EC) and higher taxes for some high emissions cars. The tax rate was also reduced for cars that had a very low level of specific consumption. Particularly energy efficient and low pollutant cars benefited from tax rebates: so called "5-litre cars…
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Policy
Ireland
2021
Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas
As the country moves towards carbon neutrality, the Government announced it will stop supporting the importation of fracked gas. The policy statements provides a few key actions: pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems being carried out by DECC, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with;the Government will work with like-minded European States to promote and support changes to European energy laws – in particular the upcoming revision of the European Union’s…
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Policy
Australia
2021
Fuel Security Package - Support for diesel storage
…The program will run over 3 years to 2023–24. The 10 projects are expected to start construction in mid-2021 and be completed within 3 years.
Along with the additional diesel storage, these projects will also deliver 202 megalitres of additional petrol and jet fuel storage funded by the private sector.
This is part of the Fuel Security Package, whereby the Government will enhance Australia's security and bolster local industry, whilst creating additional employment. The combined market and regulatory framework will bring in three key elements:
- investing AUD 260 million in a competitive grants program to build an… -
Policy
Romania
2021
Emergency plan for security of natural gas supply
Through the Emergency plan, natural gas producers assess and maximize production availability, reporting results to the TSO/CA. Suppliers evaluate additional purchase options or potential reductions in final customer consumption per contractual agreements and inform the TSO/CA. It also introduces restrictions on natural gas consumption for unprotected customers.
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Policy
Japan
2014
Act on the Quality Control of Gasoline and Other Fuels
The Act on the Quality Control of Gasoline and Other Fuels sets emissions standards and biofuel blending regulation to Japan's legal framework. It notably mandates a 10 % blending of bioethenol for gasoline, and below 5% of FAME for diesel.
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Policy
Slovak Republic
2005
Act on Energy and amendments (Act no. 656/2005)
The 2005 Act on Energy governs the conditions for conducting business in the energy sector, access to the market, rights and obligations of market participants in the energy sector etc. Those operating in the sector are bound by obligations in the general economic interest, which means ensuring, in particular:
a) the security of the electricity system or gas system, including the regularity, quality, and price of electricity and gas supplies, environmental protection and energy efficiency;
b) preferential access to the system for the supply of electricity generated from renewable energy sources and electricity generated from domestic coal;
c) the utilisation… -
Policy
Austria
2010
Energy Strategy of Austria
In order to achieve the 16% target for greenhouse gas emissions and the 34% target for renewable energy sources, a process was initiated in 2009 for the development of the Austrian Energy Strategy. The aim is to stabilise final energy consumption within a future-oriented, efficient and renewable system, at the level of 2005 (1 100 PJ). The programme also aims at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the share of renewable energy sources up to 34%.
In March 2010, the Austrian federal Minister of Economy and Minister of Environment presented the Austrian Energy Strategy. Such strategy focuses on building… -
Policy
Germany
2023
UBA (German Environment Agency) RFNBO recognition to contribute to GHG quota
The 37th Ordinance under Germany’s Federal Immission Control Act (37. BImSchV), as outlined in Bundestag document 20/9844, expands the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction quota system to include renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), aligning certification, definitions, and methodology with EU RFNBO Delegated Acts. Introduced in 2015, the GHG quota system replaced biofuel blending mandates, with targets rising from 3.5% in 2015 to 25% by 2030. Fuel suppliers are responsible for compliance, and electricity used in electric vehicles also counts toward the quota, limiting RFNBO uptake. Non-compliance incurs a €600/tCO₂ penalty, while tradeable certificates create…
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Policy
Greece
1984
Exploitation of Geothermal Potential (Law 1475/84)
This law asserts that the exclusive right of exploitation of geothermal energy belongs to the state, which, in turn, reserves the right to assign this to other public sector entities. In such cases, these entities have to prove the benefits of such investments. It must be assured that water quality will not be affected and rights cannot be undertaken for less than 15 years.
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Policy
Germany
2020
Digitalisation to improve energy efficiency
In the context of the economic stimulus of June 2020, the German government decided to implement several measures aiming for a more energy efficient economy. Among them, the German government seeks to increase the digital modernisation across its public administration and within companies, as well as enabling municipalities to ensure a more sustainable energy consumption. EUR 1 billion will be dedicated to this purpose.