Renewable Energy Directive

Europe’s revised Renewable Energy Directive is one of the most ambitious renewable energy policies in the world consisting of powerful visions for the future that include

-     Continues Europe’s global leadership role with a target of at least 32% by 2030
-     Contributes to Europe’s fight against climate change and helps us reach the Paris Agreement climate goals
-     Protects Europe’s environment and will reduce air pollution in cities and communities
-     Allows households, communities and business to become clean energy producers
-     Reduces dependency on energy imports and increases energy security
-     Creates more jobs and attracts new investments into Europe’s economy

The initial Renewable Energy Directive was implemented in 2009, while a proposal for the revision of the document took place during February of 2015. Many of the main points addressed by the proposal for revision are now included in the revised renewable energy directive 2018/2001/EU. The new directive establishes a new binding renewable energy target for the EU for 2030 of at least 32%, with a clause for a possible upwards revision by 2023.

Under the new Governance regulation, which is also part of the Clean Energy for all Europeans package, EU countries are required to each draft 10-year National Energy & Climate Plans (NECPs) for the upcoming decade, outlining how they will meet the new 2030 targets for renewable energy and for energy efficiency. EU countries set out how they plan to meet these 2020 targets and the general course of their renewable energy policy in national renewable energy action plans.

Most of the other new elements in the new directive need to be transposed into national law by Member States by 30 June 2021.  This is especially aimed at keeping the EU a global leader in renewables and, more specifically, assisting the EU in meeting its goals in reducing emissions under the Paris Agreement goals.