In a significant development, a European Parliament committee has given its support to new renewable energy targets set by the European Union (EU). However, the committee has expressed criticism regarding last-minute alterations that offer potential exemptions for ammonia plants in France and other countries, as well as increased recognition of nuclear energy.
Under the proposed law, the EU's renewable energy targets will be significantly raised, requiring 42.5% of the EU's energy to come from renewable sources by 2030. This target replaces the previous goal of 32% set for the same date.
EU member states and lawmakers reached an agreement on the renewable energy law back in March. Nevertheless, the finalization of the legislation was delayed for several weeks due to France and other countries seeking greater acknowledgment of nuclear power. While nuclear energy is low-carbon, it is not classified as a renewable source.
The deadlock was resolved earlier this month when the European Commission provided France with written assurances that it would consider exempting specific ammonia plants from renewable fuel targets. This exemption would allow these plants to operate using nuclear-based fuels instead.
Furthermore, France succeeded in obtaining a brief preamble to the law, acknowledging the potential challenges associated with adapting ammonia plants to utilize renewable fuels.
Despite receiving substantial support from the committee, the revised law faced criticism due to the late amendments. Cristian-Silviu Busoi, the chair of the committee, emphasized the importance of not establishing a precedent, as it could undermine the regular legislative process and the trilogues involved in passing new laws.
Markus Pieper, Parliament's lead negotiator, acknowledged that he and other lawmakers worked to dilute the preamble to a point where it lacked substantial content.
Before the law can take effect, it must receive formal approval from the full EU Parliament and member states. Usually, this process involves approving pre-agreed laws without modifications. However, this year has witnessed a disruption to the usual proceedings when Germany unexpectedly opposed a policy aimed at phasing out fossil fuel-powered cars. Consequently, some EU diplomats are cautious about potential demands to alter pre-agreed deals.
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According to the most recent official data available from the EU, renewable sources accounted for 22% of Europe's energy consumption in 2021.
Committee chair Cristian-Silviu Busoi voiced his concerns, stating, “This should not set a precedent. Otherwise, the entire ordinary legislative process and the trilogues will lose their meaning.”
Markus Pieper, Parliament's lead negotiator, commented on the diluted preamble, saying, “We worked to water it down to a point where it doesn't really have much substance.”
The bill now awaits the formal approval of the full EU Parliament and member states, after which it will come into effect.
