Renewables are currently a hot topic in politics. But the measures we go to save the planet are only as powerful as the number of countries and people following the rules.
When it comes to implementing these changes, everything from the energy suppliers to the comparison sites and end-users will be impacted. What follows is a breakdown for the EU’s renewables strategy.
Introducing the energy union strategy
The EU’s sustainability measures were first implemented in 2015. Since then, they have been expanded in scope with all measures designed to help EU households and businesses secure sustainable, competitive and affordable power. At its core, this union is based on five mutually reinforcing elements:
- Security, solidarity and trust between EU countries;
- A fully integrated internal market allowing for power to flow through appropriate infrastructure, free of technical or regulatory barriers;
- Better efficiency to reduce dependence on imported power, increase jobs and business growth and lower emissions;
- A focus on climate change and decarbonisation in line with the Paris Agreement to maintain leadership in advancements; and
- Prioritising research, innovation and competitiveness designed to lead to advancements in low-carbon and clean power technologies.
The goal of clean power for all Europeans
In 2019, based on 2016 Commission proposals, a new package was introduced with the aim of facilitating a move away from fossil fuels and towards renewables in order to decrease greenhouse gases. The new package is designed to bring big benefits to the customer while helping EU governments work towards the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The co-ordination of this package at an EU level is key in tackling the problem of global warming.
National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP)
In order to meet the EU’s 2030 power and climate milestones, members of the EU are required to create a 10-year NECP. Each plan must detail how a nation intends to meet the emissions reduction targets required by their individual commitments to both the Paris Agreement and EU broader objectives. This includes, but is not limited to, a focus on the interconnections between power providers, researchers and governments, targeted emission reduction and overall efficiency.
Long-term strategy
Based on the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement, the main aim of this strategy is for all EU countries to reach carbon-neutrality through a serious of staggered targets. The idea is to unite all areas of the societal and economic sectors under this shared goal – from power suppliers themselves to buildings, agriculture, industry, mobility and forestry. Overall, the EU’s renewables strategy has already done a great deal to help EU member states progress towards greener initiatives, with more achievements sure to come.
