EBRD's new index to help benchmark progress

摘要

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) launched, on 18 May, a new index of sustainable energy (ISE). The bank sees the index as a guide for policy makers on successful strategies to secure sustainable supplies of energy. The tool benchmarks individual country reform progress in three key areas: energy efficiency, development of renewable energy sources and policies to address climate change. The indicator follows a sustainable energy system based on three pillars (institutions, market incentives and outcomes) within each or the three components (energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate change). ISE scores range from 0 to 1. A score of 0 represents a lack of institutions and market incentives to implement sustainable energy solutions. This is also coupled with poor energy outcomes, notably high carbon and energy intensity as well as little or no renewable electricity. The highest score of 1 indicates an economy with strong sustainable energy institutions, market mechanisms and energy outcomes ranking in the top 20 per cent globally. The EBRD notes that 'Western' European nations score around 0.8 and new EU members 0.5. Some south-eastern European countries such as Croatia score close to new EU members. Most Western Balkans countries are below 0.4, as are both Russia and Ukraine. The other former Soviet republics, whether energy-rich or not, score between 0.2 and 0.3.