The renewables sector has welcomed the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as president of the European Commission.
She secured the votes of 401 Members of the European Parliament in the secret ballot in Strasbourg.
The result means von der Leyen has ensured another five years in the position, after first being elected to the role in 2019.
“President von der Leyen’s re-election offers a welcome stability for Europe, recognising her critical role in guiding the continent through the wave of crises in recent years,” said SolarPower Europe chief executive Walburga Hemetsberger.
She added: “The President’s speech in plenary confirms that delivering the Green Deal remains a priority under the new Commission mandate, with a focus on implementation and investment. This is good news for Europe and for the energy transition.
“Europe’s energy, security, and climate goals are dependent on taking new steps in accelerating energy system flexibility and electrification. We’re facing deep system change that will bring incredible benefits – but it needs political commitment.
“Green competitiveness is the launchpad to sustainable growth. We’re pleased to see the new EU Clean Industrial Deal, reflecting our June letter supported by over 550 signatories from across society and the economy.
“Our modelling shows that renewables and flexible electrification will reduce energy costs by 25% in 2030 and 33% by 2040, structurally shielding European business and industry from further fossil fuel volatility and building a new era of clean competitiveness and prosperity.
“In establishing her new College of Commissioners, we urge President von der Leyen to acknowledge the need for Europe to rapidly accelerate its energy flexibility and electrification plans.”
A WindEurope spokesperson added: “It’s great (von der Leyen) has announced a new EU Clean Competitiveness Deal. Europe’s energy intensive industries want to decarbonise and they want to do it with the help of cheap wind energy.
“The wind industry is ready to make this happen – and we’re partnering with energy-intensives to help deliver the goals of the Antwerp Declaration. But it needs strong public policy support.
“It’s great that the new EU Commission is going to double down on its support for clean tech manufacturing with a new EU Competitiveness Fund. And that less red tape and faster permitting for renewables will remain priorities for the next five years.
“Von der Leyen’s Commission did a lot for wind energy in her first term.
“The 2023 Wind Power Package was already a big step in the right direction. More support is needed now to increase the number of new wind farms to meet the EU’s 2030 targets – and to strengthen the supply chains required for that.
“Wind is 20% of Europe’s electricity – the EU want it to be 35% by 2030. Nearly all the wind turbines built in Europe are made in Europe.
“To keep that, the EU needs to further strengthen its wind supply chains and relevant logistics infrastructure.”