It is being reported that documents seen by news outlet EURACTIV suggest EU countries are seeking to water down recent proposals for 45% renewable energy by 2030. The target is part of a wider set of measures known as REPowerEU, which were created to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels in the wake of the war in Ukraine. REPowerEU aims not only to save energy throughout the EU but also to ramp up the production of clean energy and diversify the EU’s energy mix. Short-term measures in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine include[i]:
REPowerEU was presented in May this year[ii], where the commission included proposals to increase “the headline 2030 target for renewables from 40% to 45%”, having already increased this from just 32%[iii]. The European Parliament subsequently voted on 14th September in favour of the 45% target for renewable energy. However, EU member states are proposing replacing the target with an older one of 40%, which was already agreed upon in June.[iv]
There is concern that the watering down of renewable energy targets will disrupt the EU’s medium-term drive for energy security, with NGOs voicing concerns. Romain Laugier, climate and energy policy officer at WWF Europe, told EURACTIV:
“Raising the share of renewable energy to 45% by 2030 is our chance to address a threefold crisis at once: the climate breakdown, access to secure energy, and reducing energy prices for consumers in the medium term… If EU governments are truly committed to solving all three, they should sign up to this higher renewable energy target.”[v]
The WWF had previously described RePowerEU as a good plan marred by a few really bad ideas, with Ester Asin, Director of the WWF European Policy Office, saying in May: “The Commission’s plan to accelerate the EU’s shift to clean energy solutions such as energy efficiency, wind and solar power is very welcome. But financing this by selling pollution permits is misguided, as is building more fossil gas infrastructure or relying on increased biomass use. That will just prolong our dependence on fossil fuel imports and jeopardise climate goals.”[vi]
As EURACTIV notes, the recent amendments also delete the European Commission’s attempt to enshrine into EU law the principle that renewables should be considered a matter of ‘overriding public interest’. If these were adopted, they would have helped protect new renewable projects against legal challenges. Whilst EU member states have kept the Commission’s proposal to create ‘go-to’ areas for renewable energy projects- effectively areas where they will be streamlined; the amendments also increase the length of time required for permitting processes in those areas. Further proposed changes will also allow EU countries to choose whether to include hydropower plants in go-to areas and expand the definition of go-to areas to include “land and sea or inland water areas that are particularly suitable to develop renewable energy projects.”[vii]
Ultimately the fear is that these amendments could see the EU’s renewable roll-out and stride for energy security ultimately falter, thus creating increasing uncertainty for consumers at a time when energy prices are not only going up, but network operators are warning of disruption to supplies this winter as a result of energy shortages[viii]. To tackle the cost of energy, the EU has already targeted reducing the overall use of electricity by at least 5% during peak hours[ix], and this is a goal which energy providers will be hoping lessens the threat of blackouts this winter, when demand is highest.
[i] REPowerEU: affordable, secure and sustainable energy for Europe | European Commission (europa.eu)
[iii] Fit for 55 - The EU's plan for a green transition - Consilium (europa.eu)
[iv] EU ministers back 40% renewable energy target for 2030 – EURACTIV.com
[v] EU countries eye scrapping 45% renewables target: document – EURACTIV.com
[vi] REPowerEU: A good plan marred by a few really bad ideas | WWF
[vii] Ibid
[viii] Energy crisis: Europe is planning for 'worst-case scenario' winter blackouts | Euronews
[ix] Energy prices and security of supply - Consilium (europa.eu)
Lauren has extensive experience as an analyst and market researcher in the digital technology and travel sectors. She has a background in researching and forecasting emerging technologies, with a particular passion for the Videogames and eSports industries. She joined the Critical Information Group as Head of Reports and Market Research at GRC World Forums, and leads the content and data research team at the Zero Carbon Academy. “What drew me to the academy is the opportunity to add content and commentary around sustainability across a wealth of industries and sectors.”
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