Europe promotes clean energy

An ambitious target has been agreed by the European Commission, European Council and European Parliament designed to improve energy efficiency and the use of clean energy throughout Europe.

The Commission’s proposal forms part of the implementation of the Juncker Commission priorities – in particular “a resilient Energy Union and a forward-looking climate change policy”.

This agreement is the latest in a line of legislative proposals in the Clean Energy for All Europeans package. On 14 June a political agreement was reached on the revised Renewable Energy Directive, and on 14 May, the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive was adopted. Thus progress towards making the Energy Union a reality is well under way and the work initiated by the Juncker Commission is being delivered.

The new regulatory framework includes an energy efficiency target for the EU for 2030 of 32.5% with an upwards revision clause by 2023. This new objective shows the EU’s high level of ambition and demonstrates the remarkable pace of change of new technologies and reduced costs through economies of scale.

Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete said: “Europe is by far the largest importer of fossil fuel in the world. Today we put an end to this. This deal is a major push for Europe’s energy independence. Much of what we spend on imported fossil fuels will now be invested at home in more efficient buildings, industries and transport. The new target of 32.5% will boost our industrial competitiveness, create jobs, reduce energy bills, help tackle energy poverty and improve air quality. Our path to real energy security and climate protection begins here at home, and this deal shows Europe’s determination to build a modern economy that is less dependent on imported energy and with more domestically produced clean energy.”

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