The European Commission welcomes the adoption by the Council of new rules on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The decision means that the EU has adopted four of the eight legislative acts that make up the “Clean energy for all Europeans” package, published by the European Commission on November 30, 2016. This package is a key element in one of the priorities of the Juncker Commission: “a Union of resilient energy and a climate change policy for the future”, with the aim of giving Europeans access to safe, affordable and climate-friendly energy and making the European Union a leader world in renewable energies.

The new regulatory framework, in particular through the introduction of the first national energy and climate plans, provides regulatory certainty and favorable conditions for essential investments to be carried out in this important sector.

Then, the European Commission empowers European consumers to become fully active players in the energy transition and sets two new targets for the EU in 2030: a binding energy target of at least 32% and an energy efficiency target of at least 32.5%, which will stimulate industrial competitiveness, boost growth and employment, reduce energy bills, help address energy poverty and improve air quality.

Main achievements

The European Commission establishes renewable energy as a new binding target for the EU by 2030 of at least 32%, including a revision clause in 2023 for an upward revision of the objective at the EU level.

• Improves the design and stability of support systems for renewable energy.
• It offers a real rationalization and reduction of administrative procedures.
• It establishes a clear and stable regulatory framework on self-consumption.
• The ambition level of the transport and heating/cooling sectors increases.
• Improves the sustainability of the use of bioenergy.

Source: EnergyNews