Member States’ final National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) are “substantially more ambitious” than the draft plans submitted to the European Commission in June 2019 (see EUROPE 12277/4), according to the assessment of the NECPs published by the Commission on Thursday 17 September.
On the basis of these plans, EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will decrease by 41% by 2030 compared to 1990 emission levels (excluding CO2 absorption in land use, land use change and forestry), an improvement of about 1.5% compared to the draft NECPs.
This is slightly more than the current target of a 40% reduction.
The document highlights gaps, particularly with respect to energy efficiency.
The Commission notes that only 12 Member States have so far submitted their ‘national long-term renovation strategies’ and calls on countries to explore the potential for speeding up building renovations to provide recovery stimulus and to put greater emphasis on the principle of the prominent role played by energy efficiency.
The Commission also points out that Member States are not putting sufficient effort into exploring the potential of offshore renewables.
In addition, the Commission believes that these plans will not be enough to achieve a reduction in emissions of at least 55% by 2030, which is a new target the Commission has proposed (see EUROPE 12562/2).
In October, the Commission will publish an in-depth assessment of each NECP, as well as the State of the Energy Union report, which will include specific guidance for each Member State to help them make progress in implementing their plan.
The NECPs, which cover the period 2021-2030, are roadmaps that set out how Member States are tackling the first phase of their transition to climate neutrality in five areas: decarbonisation, energy efficiency, energy security, internal energy market, research and innovation and competitiveness.
The assessment of the NECPs can be found at: https://bit.ly/3c8e6tW (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)