The EU has outperformed its 2020 climate and energy targets (20% reduction in GHG emissions, 20% renewable energy and 20% energy efficiency compared to 1990) and should be able to meet its 2030 targets with further efforts, according to preliminary 2020 data and 2021 projections published by the European Environment Agency on Tuesday 26 October.
Last year, for example, EU27 greenhouse gas emissions were 31% lower than in 1990 if only gross emissions are taken into account (34% for net emissions). However, only 21 Member States met their national target. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Ireland, and Malta will therefore have to use flexible mechanisms, such as buying emission allowances from other EU countries, to meet their legal targets.
In 2020, the EU reached a 21.3% share of renewable energy in its energy consumption—a trend mainly due to the increased use of renewable energy for electricity, heating, and cooling. In transport, the EU has narrowly achieved the 10% target for renewable energy use.
With regard to the 20% energy efficiency target, the EEA reports EU primary and final energy consumption levels below target, with margins of 5% and 3% respectively—attributable to the pandemic and its associated closures. Further efforts are therefore needed, according to the EEA.
According to the latest available national projections, the implementation of currently planned national policies and measures could lead to a net emission reduction of 41% by 2030.
As these projections do not take into account the new measures proposed in the ‘Fit for 55’ package, the EEA believes that further reductions are needed to bring the EU closer to the target of at least 55% by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)