EU climate and energy policy defines ambitious objectives for the EU member countries requiring a fundamental change of energy
systems. This paper suggests basing the analysis of restructuring options on energy services instead of energy flows. In order
to provide the energy services in a sustainable way the guidelines "low energy – low carbon – low distance" should be used.
This refers to an increase in energy efficiency, the reduction of fossil fuels and the reduction of (redundant) transport.
An extended technology wedges approach is applied for Austria to illustrate emission reduction options through technological
and behavioural changes. Two portfolios of technology wedges are quantified regarding their effects on energy flows and emissions
as well as the economic impacts of investments required.
Keywords:climate and energy policy, energy services, input-output analysis, technology options
Forschungsbereich:Klima-, Umwelt- und Ressourcenökonomie