Trade body WindEurope has outlined five ways in which the new European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen can deliver an ambitious climate strategy that works for all Europeans.
First, it should focus on both ambition and delivery on decarbonisation.
Second, the Commission should take a smart approach to electricity and gas.
WindEurope said the share of electricity in the energy mix has to rise from 24% today to at least 60% by 2050.
“It’s the most cost-effective and energy-efficient way to decarbonise heating, transport and much of industry. Hydrogen from renewable electricity will also have a role to play,” it said.
Third, there needs to be significant infrastructure investment in grids, storage, electric vehicle charging points to bring about the energy transition and in other infrastructure, such as ports for offshore wind.
WindEurope said InvestEU and any new Europe Future Fund will play a key role, alongside Structural Funds and other existing instruments to achieve this.
Fourth, renewable energy needs to be a priority for the EU’s new €100bn research programme, Horizon Europe.
The Commission also needs to support continued innovation in technologies where Europe has led, such as onshore wind, as well as emerging technologies, the trade body said.
Finally the EU needs a low-carbon industrial policy with renewable energy as the backbone.