The European Commission has presented a first assessment of the bloc’s final 2030 National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) noting governments need to provide detail on how targets will be met.
The NECPs, submitted by each of the 27 EU member states, are the framework within which national governments plan their climate and energy goals, policies and measures for 2021-30.
Governments are obliged to develop these plans under the 2018 Clean Energy Package. And they have to include a detailed list of actions they intend to take by 2030.
In its assessment of the 27 NECPs the Commission noted the final plans enable the EU to surpass the current 32% renewable energy target.
The Commission has also highlighted member states need to do additional work on the implementation measures, such as increase the predictability on planned tenders and to streamline permitting procedures for new and repowered projects.
The NECP process aims to ensure the EU meets its 2030 targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, renewables, energy efficiency and electricity interconnectors.
The assessment shows the NECPs have some quite good volume commitments for the expansion of renewables, noted WindEurope.
“But that they’re still missing a lot of detail on how governments will deliver those commitment,” the trade group stated.
WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson said: “The Commission analysis highlights the key point about the NECPs. The numbers look good on paper.
“But they’re short on detail of how to deliver those numbers. There are nice volumes for the build-out of onshore and offshore wind.
He added: “But the plans are thin on how Governments will simplify the permitting of new wind farms. And many Governments can’t deliver their volumes without simplifying permitting.
“Many NECPs are also lacking detail on the schedule and design of the auctions governments will run to support new renewables.
“It’s fine to say the NECP commitments add up to 33% renewable energy by 2030. But without some more serious homework in the national capitals, the NECPs won’t deliver that.”
The EU Commission will present more detailed country-specific recommendations in October 2020.
Based on their final NECPs, each country must now submit a progress report to the Commission every two years on the status of implementation of its national Plan.
WindEurope has analysed the NECPs and has rated the plans according to their performance on the most important elements for wind energy, namely auctions schedules, electrification and permitting.