The European Council has adopted a new Renewable Energy Directive with the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the EU's total energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030, with a potential additional 2.5% to reach a 45% target. This directive also includes specific targets for sectors like transport, industry, buildings, and heating and cooling to accelerate the integration of renewables in areas that have been slower to adopt them.
Sector-Specific Targets:
- Transport:
- Choose between a 14.5% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity through renewables by 2030 or ensure renewables make up at least 29% of energy consumption.
- Sub-target of 5.5% for advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (e.g., renewable hydrogen) in the transport sector.
- Industry:
- Increase annual use of renewable energy by 1.6%.
- Aim for 42% renewable hydrogen in industry by 2030 and 60% by 2035.
- Buildings, Heating, and Cooling:
- Indicative target of at least 49% renewable energy in buildings by 2030.
- Gradual binding increases in renewable targets for heating and cooling.
Bioenergy: Strengthen sustainability criteria for biomass use to ensure sustainable production.
Permit Procedures: Accelerate permit procedures for renewable energy projects. Design renewable acceleration areas with simplified permits. Presume renewable energy projects to be of 'overriding public interest,' limiting legal objections.
Background:
- Part of the EU's "Fit for 55" package to align with climate goals.
- Revises the existing renewable energy directive, which had set a 32% renewable energy target for 2030.