The European Council in Brussels has announced the adoption of a comprehensive set of measures under the umbrella of the Renewable Energy Directive, marking a pivotal step in the European Union's commitment to increase renewable energy usage. These measures, which are part of legislation passed in June, mandate that all EU member states contribute to the common goal of achieving 45% renewable energy utilization by the end of the decade.
The new rules strategically target sectors where the integration of renewable energy has been slower, with a specific focus on transport, industry, and buildings. Within these sectors, the directive offers a combination of mandates and options to ensure progress towards renewable energy targets.
In the realm of transport, member states have the option to aim for a binding target of reducing greenhouse gas intensity in the use of renewables by 14.5% by 2030. Alternatively, they can commit to a binding share of at least 29% of renewables within the final energy consumption by the same year.
For the industrial sector, the directive requires an annual increase of 1.5% in renewable energy use, coupled with the option to discount the contribution of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) by 20%. This discount can be applied if a member state's national contribution aligns with the overall EU target or if their share of hydrogen from fossil fuels consumed remains below specified limits.
In the building, heating, and cooling sectors, the directive establishes an indicative target of at least 49% renewable energy use in buildings by the end of the decade. Moreover, targets for heating and cooling will gradually increase over time.
To expedite the deployment of renewable energy projects, permitting procedures will be streamlined, allowing for a “fast-track” approach. Renewable energy projects will be presumed to be of “overriding public interest,” limiting grounds for legal objections to new installations.
The directive also places a strong emphasis on sustainability criteria for biomass energy, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with unsustainable bioenergy production. Member states are required to apply the cascading principle and implement support schemes while considering national specificities.
Teresa Ribera, the Spanish Acting Minister for the Ecological Transition, hailed these measures as a “step forward” in pursuing EU climate targets in a “fair, cost-effective, and competitive way.”
The context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have elevated energy prices across the EU, reinforcing the urgency of accelerating energy efficiency and expanding renewable energy usage. The European Council underscores the importance of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and promoting fair and affordable energy prices for citizens and businesses across all sectors of the economy.
