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Abstract: The paper analyses the issues for consideration listed in the stock taking document “New Energy Strategy for Europe 2011–2020” and explores the impact of their implementation on the use of renewable energy sources. The main objective of the paper is to introduce and provide a summary of the theoretical and methodological achievements required for an analysis of the implications of such an EU level strategy. It also provides a summary of the results of the analysis of the impacts of the Strategy on a specific field; namely, on the use of renewable energy sources. Contradictions inherent in the Strategy are discussed as well, and a proposal is put forward to aid the resolution of these contradictions. The paper also points out that the further development of the theoretical and methodological achievements may result in the creation of a simulation model, the application of which could effectively aid the process of strategic planning and the testing of strategies prior to approval. Finally, the paper discusses how an EU level and/or a global network of energy security centres could promote the development and implementation of an energy policy ensuring the appropriate utilization of renewable energy sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, a purposely designed code for the performance analysis of the Water Loop Heat Pump (WLHP) systems is presented. Hourly, daily and seasonal energy system consumptions, operating economic costs and environmental impact assessments are dealt with. For the scope of comparison, the performances of two reference HVAC system are investigated too. For the computation of the building heating and cooling requirements, a suitable dynamic performance simulation model is being developed. All the relevant algorithms are implemented in MATLAB®. A case study of an office building undergoing simulation in different European climatic areas is being presented. Here, different building thermal features are considered. In order to maximize the system performance an additional optimization procedure to the operating devices temperatures is carried out. Results show that primary energy savings and avoided CO2 emissions of the WLHP system vary in relation to the compared reference systems and can be obtained only in several European weather zones. The feasibility of the WLHP system strongly depends on electricity and natural gas national costs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]