The European Council has agreed to a binding target of at least 27% of its overall energy consumption to be sourced from renewables by 2030.
The agreement of the 28 member states’ energy and environment ministers paves the way for the Council to start negotiations next year with the European Parliament, which in October called for the target to be increased to 35%.
Members states, despite the dilution of the governance regulation, agreed to three benchmarks – to meet 24% of both the 27% target and national goals by 2023; 40% in 2025 and 60% in 2027.
They also agreed to give three years’ visibility on the volume and budget of public support schemes for renewables, which is key for industrial planning in the supply chain.
Member states will have the possibility of opening up their national support schemes across borders to generators of renewable energy in other member states, but the final decision on this will remain with them.
The Council adopted a target of 14% renewables for the transport sector for each member state
There is also a sub-target of 3% for so-called advanced biofuels, for which double-counting will be allowed.
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