C 125/400
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
5.4.2023
Wednesday 14 September 2022 (1g)
This Directive aims to ensure that, as part of the EU’s energy policy, investments in renewable energy production are encouraged while upholding the energy sovereignty of each Member State.
(1h)
The renewable energy directive is part of the ‘Fit for 55 package’, which will also have multiple effects on the Union, including on competitiveness, job creation, household purchasing power, the achievement of climate targets and on the magnitude of carbon leakage.
As such, a comprehensive evaluation of the aggregated macroeconomic impact of the Regulations that make up the ‘Fit for 55 package’ should be carried out on a regular basis.
(2)
Renewable energy plays a fundamental role in delivering the European Green Deal and for achieving climate neutrality by 2050, given that the energy sector contributes over 75 % of total greenhouse gas emissions in the Union.
By reducing those greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy also contributes to tackling environmental-related challenges such as biodiversity loss, land, water and air pollution, as long as the use of the renewable energy sources themselves does not exacerbate those challenges.
The low operating costs of renewable energy and the reduced exposure to price shocks compared to fossil fuels gives renewable energy a key role in tackling energy poverty.
(2a)
With ever more countries committing to climate-neutrality by mid-century, both domestic and global demand for renewable technologies are projected to rise and offer significant opportunities for job creation, the expansion of a European renewables industrial base and continued European leadership in research and development of innovative renewable technologies, which in turn enhance the competitive advantage of European companies and the EU's energy independence from fossil fuel imports.
(2b)
The share of gross final energy consumption from renewable sources in EU reached 22 % in 2020 (4), 2 percentage points (pp) above the target for the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption for 2020, as set out in Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources.
(2c)
Renewable energy is a key enabler of sustainable development, contributing directly and indirectly to many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty alleviation, education, water and sanitation.
Renewables also bring broad socio-economic benefits, creating new jobs and fostering local industries.
(2d)
At international level, at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) the Commission, together with global partners, committed to end direct support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy and to use these funds for the deployment of renewable energy.
(2e)
At COP26, the Commission together with global leaders elevated the global ambition level for the preservation and recovery of global forests, and for an accelerated transition to zero emissions transportation.
(2f)
Renewable energy production often takes place at local level and depends on regional SMEs; Member States should therefore fully involve local and regional authorities when setting targets and supporting policy measures.
(2g)
Since around 35 million Europeans are affected by energy poverty (5), renewable energy policies have an important role to play in any strategy to tackle energy poverty and consumer vulnerability.
(4) (5)
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/ddn-20220119-1 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2020/1563 of 14 October 2020 on energy poverty.