EU proposes 27% renewable energy goal for 2030

Speaking to PV Tech prior to confirmation of the target, Greenpeace energy policy expert Tara Connolly said: “A 27% renewables target is little more than business-as-usual.”

Connolly believes that the 40% GHG target will itself trigger a push to around 27% for renewable energy across the EU, leaving the separate target redundant.

She said: “It would have an impact on renewables investment not just after 2020 but before. What are member states and investors going to do if they know they don’t have to develop renewables after 2020?”

Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission said the new target would avoid fragmentation and distortion of the European market.

“We propose not setting binding national targets because one lesson we have drawn from experience is that they risk fragmentation of the European market. This bottom up approach will give more flexibility to member states,” he said.

The UK and Poland had led calls for no renewable target to be established to allow them to reduce emissions through carbon capture and storage and nuclear energy.

It remains possible that the UK and a coalition of central European nations could block the introduction of the binding renewables target.

EU energy commissioner Günther Oettinger said a review process would be established to ensure the EU remained on track.

“As of next year we will have an annual report to indicate how we are doing as we move toward 27% so we can make necessary adjustments if we have catching up to do. Lastly we need more harmonisation of support systems so that at least 27% can be reached,” he said.