The new strategy will set out priorities for 2020 in order to deliver on the EU's energy and climate goals.

This will require the EU to spend €1 trillion over the next decade on infrastructure, new technologies and electricity storage, according to a draft, seen by EurActiv.

"In the next decade, investment in energy, both to replace existing resources and in order to meet increasing energy requirements, will oblige European economies to arbitrate among energy products which, given the inertia of energy systems, will condition the next 30 years," it says.

The draft strategy identifies energy efficiency as its first priority, arguing that it needs to be mainstreamed into all relevant policy areas. The details will be set out in the new energy efficiency plan, which is scheduled to be presented next spring.

The EU has set itself a 20% energy savings objective for 2020, but measuring progress will require the establishment of "a set of fair and measurable objectives," according to the document. The national energy efficiency action plans drawn up by member states will become the annual reporting tool, it explains.

(EurActiv)

Read more