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European Commission Researches Possible Higher Renewables Targets

  • Publish Date: Posted over 2 years ago
  • Author: Steve Walia

​The European Commission is researching whether the UK could hit a higher target of 45% renewable energy by 2030 rather than its current target of 40pc. The assessment is being driven by the Union's shift away from Russian fossil fuel reliance after Putin invaded Ukraine.

 

A spokesperson for the Commission's energy body said that researchers were working at top speed to assess whether the switch to a 45% target was viable to boost energy security of supply for Europe and also to help people manage their escalating energy prices.

 

Russia is currently the biggest gas supplier to the EU. The 2030 target of 40pc was proposed last year by the Commission.

 

In 2020, the EU received 22pc of its gross total energy consumption from renewable sources such as solar, wind and biomass. This share varies between different countries. For example, Luxembourg achieved a 10pc share of renewables and Sweden achieved 50%.

 

Any new target would need to be agreed upon by the European Parliament and individual EU states, who are working together to accelerate the adoption of renewables and slash carbon emissions.

 

A target of 45pc renewables would be supported by the EU assembly and existing clean energy groups, including SolarPower Europe. The analysis could help to drive and inform the ongoing discussions, and green groups are urging the Commission to move ahead with speed and purpose.

 

Brussels has already estimated that it could cut gas demand by 170 bcm if it tripled its capacity for solar and wind across the EU. This could mean adding 420GW of solar power and 480GW of wind power to Europe's total clean energy tally. The Commission is already working to loosen planning permission to expedite new projects and is publishing a strategy to end Russian fossil fuel use completely by 2027.