Key Focus Areas
National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP)
National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) are strategic documents that each European Union member state must develop and submit to the European Commission. These plans are essential tools for achieving the EU's energy and climate targets by 2030 and contribute to long-term objectives, including carbon neutrality by 2050. In Slovakia, the Ministry of Economy is responsible for preparing these plans.
Goals & Content
01
Energy
Efficiency
The plans outline how individual countries will reduce energy consumption through more efficient use of energy resources. This includes improving energy efficiency in industry, transport, and buildings.
02
Renewable
Energy Sources
Each country must specify in its NECP how it will increase the share of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, hydro) in total energy consumption.
03
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The plans include measures to reduce CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors such as energy, industry, transport, and agriculture.
04
Energy
Security
NECPs also focus on ensuring stable and reliable energy supply, minimizing dependence on energy imports from unpredictable sources.
05
Research and Innovation
The plans support research and development of new technologies that can help improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
NECPs are thus key tools for aligning national actions with the goals of the European Union, and their implementation is essential for achieving long-term sustainability and energy security.
🇸🇰 Slovakia and the NECP
Slovakia, like other member states, has developed its own NECP, reflecting the country's specifics and its commitments to the EU. This plan contains specific steps and measures that Slovakia plans to take to achieve its goals by 2030.
Ciele EÚ a SR | EU 2030 | SK 2030 |
---|---|---|
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (vs. 1990) | – 55 % | – 64,3 % (without LULUCF) |
Emissions in ETS Sector (vs. 2005) | – 62 % | No individual member state targets |
Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Non-ETS (vs. 2005) | – 40 % | – 22,7 % |
Net removals in the LULUCF sector (compared to the average of 2016-2018) | – 310 000 kt | – 504 kt |
Share of RES in Transport | 42,5 % | 25 % |
Energy efficiency | – 11,7 % | PES/KES | +2,6 % / –1,8% |
Interconnection of Electrical Grids | 15 % | ≥ 50 % |
Source: EC, Ministry of Economy SR
Slovak Climate Initiative and the NECP
The Slovak Climate Initiative perceives the current proposal for updating the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) with certain reservations, particularly regarding its lack of ambition and specificity in key areas of combating climate change.
Recommendations for Achieving Carbon Neutrality (June 2023)
Why the NECP is Important and Why We Request Its Proper Preparation:
According to SKI, it is necessary for the government to reassess and strengthen its commitments, especially in terms of specific emission reduction targets and redesigning strategies for key sectors like energy, so Slovakia can contribute to European and global efforts to combat climate change.
01
The NECP is a document where Slovakia makes strategic decisions on whether and how it will successfully manage its green transformation.
02
The NECP should provide the people of Slovakia with the assurance that, as a country, we will handle the green transformation and help them cope with the consequences of climate change.
03
The NECP should offer companies a predictable plan for the transformation of the Slovak economy, allowing them to successfully and timely adapt their businesses.
Appeal of Experts and Public Figures (July 2023)
Why is the NECP important and why we ask for its good preparation:
The National Energy and Climate Plan is being updated, deciding whether we will successfully modernize the energy sector and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. A strategic plan for the transition to a carbon-free economy must be a priority for Slovakia.
01
Adopt ambitious 2030 targets in the NECP, which will be a prerequisite for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
02
Plan measures in the NECP, along with their financial coverage, that will demonstrably lead to the fulfillment of the goals.
03
Set up a system of responsibility and inter-ministerial cooperation necessary to achieve the goals and implement the measures.
SKI's Comments on the NECP Update (October 2023)
The Slovak Climate Initiative welcomes the submission of the NECP update for public discussion and recognizes the limitations arising from the prescribed format based on methodological guidelines from DG ENER and the EEA. Nonetheless, we believe it's possible to improve both the content and presentation of the document, as confirmed by comparisons with NECPs from other countries, particularly Croatia and Finland.
We consider it a fundamental requirement to increase the ambitions of the Slovak Republic towards a clearly formulated goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and to set corresponding 2030 targets that align with this long-term objective.
Current State of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Slovakia
Successes & Challenges
Challenges in Meeting the Goals
Emissions in the Past
In 1990, Slovakia emitted approximately 73,730 Gg CO₂ equivalent. Since then, there has been a significant reduction in emissions.
Current Emissions
According to available data, greenhouse gas emissions decreased to 41,226 Gg CO₂ equivalent by 2021, representing a reduction of more than 40% compared to 1990.
Goal for 2030
Slovakia has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. This means achieving emissions at approximately 33,182 Gg CO₂ equivalent.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Slovakia has invested in enhancing energy efficiency, including building insulation, modernization of industrial processes, and support for renewable energy sources.
Support for Renewable Sources
A significant increase in installed capacities of solar and wind power plants contributes to emission reductions.
Regulations and Legislation
Implementing stricter environmental regulations and emission limits helps manage and reduce emissions in industry and energy sectors.
Fossil Fuels Dependence
Despite progress in renewable energy, there remains significant dependence on fossil fuels, especially in the energy and industrial sectors.
Transport Emissions
Emissions from transport remain a challenge, particularly due to the slow transition to electromobility and alternative fuels.
Financing Needs
Securing sufficient funding for all necessary measures and projects is crucial for successfully achieving the goals.