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Europe’s power: re-energising a progressive climate and energy agenda

A new report from the UK’s Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank has called for energy efficiency to be at the core of an EU strategy to improve security of energy supplies. The document emerges at a time of significantly increased concern over energy supplies given Europe’s dependence on gas imports from Russia and events unfolding in Ukraine. The IPPR analysis finds that enormous savings are available by moving away from an energy system based on expensive fossil fuel imports, adding that maximising the positive impact of clean investments within Europe will bring significant economic benefits, not least in helping to secure reliable, affordable supply in the face of global tensions. IPPR proposes a ‘clean energy superfund’, pooled from existing budgets for achieving the low-carbon transition, which could be more closely and clearly aligned with Europe’s overarching energy strategy.