MEPs vote for stronger energy targets

Energy transition

Today the European Parliament’s Industry Committee voted on its positions on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive for the period 2021 – 2030.

In reaction to the results of the vote, Wendel Trio, Director of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, said:

“By calling for more ambitious renewable energy and energy efficiency targets, MEPs reaffirmed their commitment to the promises of the Paris Agreement. The results of today’s votes will send a strong signal on the need to scale up clean energy to EU governments. The economic case of ever cheaper green energy should prompt the EU to move even faster and adopt a 45% renewable energy target.”

While calling for higher ambition, the Industry Committee also strengthened the annual energy savings obligation. However, it failed to uphold national binding targets for renewable energy, which would help ensure that the overall EU renewable energy target is met. This needs to be corrected when the European Parliament’s plenary votes on its position early next year.

EU governments are expected to agree on their position on the Renewable Energy Directive on 18 December. Their position on the Energy Efficiency Directive was adopted in June.

ENDS

For more information please contact: Ania Drazkiewicz, CAN Europe, ania@caneurope.org, 00 32 494 52 57 38

Notes:

CAN Europe infographic ‘The EU needs an at least 45% renewable energy target for 2030’: https://caneurope.org/publications/presentations/1376-infographic-the-eu-needs-an-at-least-45-renewable-energy-target-for-2030

CAN Europe press statement on Energy Ministers’ position on the revision of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) adopted in June: https://caneurope.org/publications/press-releases/1436-eu-governments-propose-to-dilute-eu-energy-efficiency-law

Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe is Europe’s largest coalition working on climate and energy issues. With over 140 member organisations in more than 30 European countries – representing over 44 million citizens – CAN Europe works to prevent dangerous climate change and promote sustainable climate and energy policy in Europe.

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