The European Parliament (EP) voted yesterday in favor of raising the gross final consumption of renewable energy in the European Union to 45% in 2030, compared to the current targets of 32% and in line with the European Commission.
The values approved today by the deputies are above the 40% proposed by the countries of the European Union (EU).
In 2018, the Commission proposed revising the directive and setting the new target at 40%, but following the Russian invasion of Ukraine (which began on 24 February), the EU executive reinforced its commitment to investing in renewable energy. and suggested increasing this value to 45%.
The Council, the institution representing EU countries, set its negotiating position last June at 40%.
The three institutions will now have to negotiate the final legislation, which should be completed in early 2023.
With 418 votes in favour, 109 against and 111 abstentions, MEPs supported the 45% negotiating position with the Council and the Commission on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive, which is part of the comprehensive “Fit for 55” legislative package to reduce CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
Final consumption of renewable energy in the EU was 9.6% in 2004 and 22.1% in 2020.
“Renewable energies are a fundamental part of the solution to rising prices,” said socialist deputy and directive negotiator Nicolás González Casares, who called for a reduction not only in dependence on Russian energy products, but also on imports from other countries.
Also as part of the package to reduce CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030, MEPs also today advocated (469 votes in favour, 93 against and 82 abstentions) an update of the Energy Efficiency Directive by 2030 to reduce consumption EU final energy consumption by 40% by 2030 and primary consumption by 41.5% compared to 2007 levels.
Final consumption is consumption used by end users, while primary consumption also includes energy used for the production and supply of energy.
The Council, which represents member states, agreed to reduce final energy consumption by 36% and primary energy consumption by 39%.
A 40% reduction could lead to a reduction of 740 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in final energy consumption and 960 Mtoe in primary energy consumption, according to Parliament’s calculations.
To achieve these new energy efficiency targets, Member States will need to set binding national targets and design measures at local, regional, national and European level in different sectors such as public administration, buildings, businesses and data centres.
