EU revises renewable energy target

The European Parliament and EU member states have agreed a new target of one-third of the bloc’s energy being supplied from renewable sources by 2030.

MEP and Council of Ministers negotiators agreed on Wednesday night that the revised Renewable Energy Directive will contain the new objective that renewables will supply ‘at least’ 32 per cent of the EU’s gross final consumption by 2030.

Although this marks a rise from the existing target in force of 27 per cent, it represents a watering down of the 35 per cent figure proposed by the Parliament in January.

However the member states and the Parliament have agreed to an upwards revision clause by 2023.

And the council has agreed to increase the share of transport fuel that comes from renewable sources. The agreement says this target will be 14 per cent up from the 12 per cent figure proposed by the Parliament in January.

The revised directive also enhances the rights of households that generate, consume and sell their own renewable energy.

It states that these so called ‘prosumers’ will not have to pay a double charge when installing and operating electricity storage systems combined with renewable electricity generation equipment.

They will not be subject to charges or fees on self-consumed energy until 2026 and will be entitled to receive remuneration for the self-generated renewable electricity that they feed into the grid.

The agreement also incorporates an “energy-efficiency first” principle, stating that measures to make energy demand and supply more efficient will be prioritised in all energy planning, policy and investment decisions.

Once the provisional deal has been approved by both EU ministers and MEPs, member states will have to include the new elements of the directive into national law by 30 June 2021. The UK is expected to comply with EU laws until the end of 2021, under the current Brexit transition arrangements.

Responding to the announcement, Solar Trade Association chief executive officer Chris Hewett said: “The European Union understands how vital it is to empower everyday people and organisations to invest in solar power.

“The measures the EU will put into law in 18 months’ time should give much-needed confidence to the UK solar and storage industries that the playing field between small investors and the traditional industry is starting to level.

“We urge the UK government to follow suit and provide a level playing field for diverse investors in solar power as soon as possible.”