On Tuesday 24 September in Brussels, most EU Energy Ministers committed themselves to updating their draft National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) to meet the EU's 2030 targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy (see EUROPE 12328/16).
European Commission Vice-President for the Energy Union, Maroš Šefčovič, said he was “optimistic” about the actions that will be taken by Member States to bridge the ambition gaps between national plans and the EU's 2030 targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy. “But the task will be more difficult with regard to the target of energy efficiency”, the Commissioner acknowledged.
According to the Commission's analysis, in the current draft plans, the gap with the EU targets for 2030 is 1.6 percentage points for renewable energy (target of 32%), while it is 6.2% for energy efficiency (target of 32.5%).
“Many countries have committed themselves to raising their ambitions to achieve European targets”, welcomed the Finnish Presidency of the Council.
The majority of the delegations who spoke at the Council indicated that they would take into account the Commission's recommendations in finalising national energy/climate plans, in order to meet the EU's targets.
Poland is resisting. Only Poland has indicated that it will not increase its targets, which it already considers very ambitious. Poland has asked the Commission to provide additional European funding in the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2021-2027 to provide “compensation” to the regions most affected by the economic and social consequences of additional energy and climate efforts.
On the contrary, some countries, such as Spain, have made it clear that they will update their national energy and climate plans taking into account the Commission's recommendations.
Member States have until the end of the year to submit their final NECP. The discussion at Council level is part of an ongoing dialogue aimed at finalising the plans and enabling the EU to collectively achieve the targets for 2030.
Climate neutrality. Several ministers (France, Spain) reiterated their target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 (see other news). The Netherlands has announced that it is committed to a 49% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. Germany also stressed the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energies. EU Member States are close to achieving the renewable energy target. Germany called on the Commission to play its part as a facilitator in order to enable an increase in investment in this area. Spain indicated that it was removing coal and developing electricity. Portugal has a target of 47% renewable energy by 2030. France has raised its target from 32 to 33% by 2030. Denmark mentioned a target of 70% renewable energy by 2030.
Slovakia and Hungary indicated that they were reviewing possibilities to increase the share of renewables. “However it's difficult”, the Slovak minister acknowledged. He recalled that nuclear power and natural gas are important in the country.
Hungary highlighted the role of nuclear power in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy efficiency. Germany referred to the national and European instruments available and particularly emphasized the improvement of energy efficiency in the building and consumer goods sectors. France mentioned the efforts to be made for tertiary buildings (40% reduction by 2030).
Several countries, including Spain, France and Portugal, stressed the need to provide financial incentives in the next MFF to implement the next Commission's European Green Deal. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)