Good Governance of the EU Energy Union
Renewables mean renewables. Governance to hit 2030 and fit for 2040. Inclusive, targeted planning - connected to funding.
Read the consultation response
In the view of the energy and climate crisis that Europe is facing, the European Commission is planning a review, and possibly a revision, of the Energy Governance. In this context and as a preliminary step, the Commission is calling for evidence to support an improved Governance, that can deliver on a secure, sustainable and affordable energy.
SolarPower Europe’s reply to this consultation reiterates the principle of renewables, and solar in particular, as the most-cost efficient option on the road to a fossil-free energy system. It also emphasises the need for long-term investment visibility and the alignment with our commitments under the Paris agreements. It proposes options to better integrate the governance process with national and local planning, and, last but not least, the link between targets achievement and EU funding.
Renewables mean renewables
In June 2023, the attempt from several Member States to delay the agreement on the RED for the benefit of a recognition of low-carbon energy sources has shown how the debate on the future governance can be jeopardized by deflecting attention from renewables. The Governance must remain focused on promoting 100% renewable energy sources.
Strong governance to support 2030 targets
Article 4 must be updated to reach the binding EU target of 42.5% renewables by 2030, and are on track to reaching the indicative 45%.
The Governance should include a chapter with additional policies and measures that deliver the 45% target, that should go on top of existing measures planned to reach a 42.5% target.
The indicative target for Member States to establish at least two joint projects with other Member States could be used.
Governance fit for 2040
With such perspectives, the solar industry firmly believes that a fossil-free energy system for Europe is achievable by 2040, with an economy-wide reduction of EU emissions by more than 90%.
This is the only pathway to reach our commitments under the Paris Agreement, and would also entail new economic opportunities for the EU. For this, the Governance must include, via a revision of the NECPs template, a roadmap to a fossil-free energy system by 2040 and a national electrification indicator
Inclusive planning & reporting
The Governance should be made more connected to the local and national levels.
On the top of local authorities, grid system operators should provide transparency on their investment plans and include 100% renewables grid development scenarios.
Another enabling measure would be to create a hotline on solar planning and permitting between these structures and the local level.
Planning & reporting based on clear indicators
EU energy policy should focus on monitoring results and performance. To this end, the European Union should define, in an iterative approach with Member States, key performance indicators (KPIs) such as capacity in cross-border projects, max. time of permitting process, installers/electricians per MW, level of electrification, etc.
Governance connected with EU funding
To support this reinforced governance framework, the EU needs to reinforce the connection between its financial instruments and the fulfilment of climate and energy targets by Member States, using the tools mentioned above as proxies to monitor national progress.
Among the support and the financial instruments one could mention the funds from the Cohesion Policy, the European Social Fund (ESF+), the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Just Transition Fund and the Social Climate Fund.
Header Image
© ITC
Interested in becoming a member?
Why become a member?
Do you want to stay up-to-date about solar energy?
