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Only ‘slight growth’ reported in energy efficiency services

(EurActiv, 23 Jun 2020) Companies offering energy performance contracts to municipalities saw only moderate growth last year, despite a renewed push at EU level to boost energy savings and building renovation.

A survey of energy services providers in 15 European countries showed that most companies in the sector (41%) experienced only “slight growth” in 2019, while 31% reported “little change” in activity.

“Lack of trust” in the industry and the high cost of projects were the main factors hampering growth in the sector, according to the online survey, which covered Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and the UK.

By far the most dynamic market in 2019 was the Netherlands, where almost 60% of firms reported “major growth”, followed by Belgium and the Czech Republic. But that was mostly offset by other markets like Spain, Germany and Austria where 20-30% of firms reported a “major decline” in business activity.

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EurActiv, 23 Jun 2020: Only ‘slight growth’ reported in energy efficiency services

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