Energy savings: Luxembourg remains in the nails, despite the cold snap
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Energy savingsLuxembourg remains in the nails, despite the cold snap
LUXEMBOURG – In December, the Grand Duchy reduced its natural gas consumption by 18.2%, better than its objective of -15%.
“The weather played against us, it’s a tremendous feat”, welcomes Claude Turmes, the Minister of Energy. In December, Luxembourg reduced its natural gas consumption by 18.2%, compared to the 2017-2022 average, despite the cold snap in mid-December. Cumulatively since August, natural gas consumption has fallen by 29%. With regard to electricity consumption, it has been in continuous decline since June 2022. In December, the drop was -8.56% compared to the reference period of the years 2017 to 2022. “A big thank you to the municipalities, insurance companies, banks, civil servants and individuals who are making great efforts to keep us in the nails”, launches Claude Turmes.
As a reminder, EU Member States have committed, by March 2023, to reducing their cumulative gas consumption by a total of 15% compared to the same period.
Is Luxembourg on track to achieve this objective? The Minister of Energy prefers to remain cautious. “We’ll see if there are cold spells in January and February, we don’t control the weather,” he said. But we are ensuring that the measures against the disproportionate rise in energy prices and to accelerate the energy transition can be implemented”.
12,000 people supported in 2022
As such, the Klima Agency, which answers questions from individuals, has been recruited three advisers by the end of 2022. The structure now has ten in total. “We have already supported 12,000 people in 2022, that’s a record,” notes Fenn Faber. The director of the Klima Agence recalls that individuals can obtain advice via a hotline. “To benefit from the visit of a home advisor, in particular for energy renovation, the waiting period is three to four weeks”.
In addition, Claude Turmes ensures that his ministry works “hand in hand” with the Order of Architects and Consulting Engineers (OIA) and craftsmen. Tom Oberweis, director of the Chamber of Crafts, notes that 800 companies in the craft sector have received certification for the construction of passive houses since 2012. Since last fall, they can also obtain certification in energy renovation. “There are legislative prescriptions, but you also need people to put them into practice,” sums up Marc Feider, vice-president of the OIA.
Many questions about photovoltaics
Fenn Faber, director of the Klima Agence, explains that a “large third” of the questions she receives from individuals concern the installation of photovoltaic panels.
“People also ask questions about heating (how can I get out of gas and fuel oil) and about energy renovation linked to the insulation of the building (windows, basement, roof, walls)”, adds Fenn Faber.
Is it possible to know the precise figures on the amount of the projects? “It’s a question of the market, notes the director. Individuals are invited to see directly with the architects and craftsmen”.
How is Luxembourg warmed?
Natural gas is the most common heating method in Luxembourg. According to figures from Statec for the year 2020, 60% of households in the Grand Duchy use it. Fuel oil (20%) follows by far, ahead of electricity (17%). Finally, pellets only concerned 3% of Luxembourg households in 2020.