Luxembourg curbing energy consumption

Luxembourg appears to be winning the battle for sustainable living after it emerged that the country is consuming less energy.

According to figures released by Statec, energy consumption per capita fell by 4.6 percent between 2001 and 2012, to reach the lowest levels recorded in the last ten years.

In addition, overall electricity consumption in the Grand Duchy fell by 3.5 percent over the same period.

Luxembourg more autonomous

Among its other findings, Statec reported that the capacity for power plants to generate renewable energy rose sharply to 48 MWe, marking a 37 percent gain on 2011.

At the same time, generation of net electricity grew by 1.9 percent and net electricity imports declined 8.3%.

Road fuel consumption also fell in all sectors, except for agriculture, with households reducing consumption by 6 percent, industry by 1.9 percent, the tertiary sector by 0.3 percent, meanwhile sales to non-residents were down 3.8 percent.

Price driven consumers

This new thrifty approach to energy consumption may be less driven by conscience than cost. According to Statec, electricity costs rose by 2.5 percent in 2012.

The price of natural gas and heating fuel rose 9 percent in 2011 and 10.3 percent in 2012. Finally, road fuel costs rose with petrol 95 octane rising by 7.3 percent and diesel 7.7 percent.