European Commission announced last week that member states of the EU have reached the agreement on new binding 2030 renewable energy targets of 32%, with an upwards revision clause by 2023. It is planned that agreed goals should be implemented through adoption of the amended Renewable Energy Directive, upon which they will be transposed into legislation of member states.
This represents significant improvement, compared to previous goal set at 27%, but still not sufficiently ambitious in the eyes of some member states and „green” groups which have requested for more determined share.
Another reason for this divided mood is that the European Parliament originally proposed 35 % target which was supported most loudly by pro-renewable France. Contrary to this, UK was promoting 30% as reasonable and realistic goal, which eventually led to above described compromised solution.
Main achievements agreed between the member states and announced on the Commission’s website are following:
• Setting of a new, binding, renewable energy target for the EU for 2030 of 32%, including a review clause by 2023 for an upward revision of the EU level target,
• Improving the design and stability of support schemes for renewables,
• Delivering real streamlining and reduction of administrative procedures,
• Establishing a clear and stable regulatory framework on self-consumption,
• Increasing the level of ambition for the transport and heating/cooling sectors, and
• Improving the sustainability of the use of bioenergy
Now this updated Renewable Energy Directive will have to be formally approved by the European Parliament and the Council. Once validated by both co-legislators, it will be published in the Official Journal of the Union and enter into force 20 days upon the publication. Member States will be obliged to transpose the new elements of the Directive into national law within 18 months period, upon its entry into force.