EU aims to increase renewables target to 42.5% in latest climate ambition push

The European Union (EU) has agreed to raise its binding renewable energy target for 2030 to at least 42.5%. The deal was reached between the EU’s legislative bodies 12, the European Parliament, and the European Council, during a 15-hour-long negotiation. The new target, which almost doubles the current target of 32%, is in line with the EU’s commitment to the European Green Deal and RePower EU objectives.

In addition to the binding target, the bodies also agreed on a further 2.5% indicative target which would bring the EU’s target to the 45% target campaigned for by industry body SolarPower Europe (SPE). To achieve this, the EU aims to simplify and accelerate the permitting process for renewable energy projects. Renewable energy will be recognized as an overriding public interest, which will encourage member states to identify “go-to-areas” for renewables, as they look to expand the share of renewables in their energy mix.

The provisional agreement is subject to formal adoption by the European Parliament and Council, and once complete the new legislation will be published in the Official Journal of the Union and become effective. These measures are designed to help the EU meet its 2030 targets and continue to support its transition towards renewable energy sources and away from fossil fuels.