The European Union’s top energy official has revealed the bloc looks set to slightly beat its goal to get a third of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, but public support will be needed to offset a drop in clean power investment due to COVID-19.
EU countries’ latest energy policy plans would see the bloc reach a 33 per cent share of renewable energy by 2030, surpassing its target by one percentage point, EU energy chief Kadri Simson told an online news conference reported by Reuters Newsagency.
Renewable sources including wind, solar, hydropower and bioenergy made up just under 19 per cent of final EU energy consumption in 2018.
Previous versions of countries’ energy policy plans had suggested the bloc would miss its 2030 renewables target by up to three percentage points.
Reuters reports Ms Simson said the European Commission would push tens of billions of euros into clean energy projects from its proposed €750 billion EU coronavirus recovery fund, to ensure the economic crisis caused by the pandemic does not thwart its green goals.
“In the context of the crisis and the fall of renewable energy investments, we must make sure that progress in this area continues,” Ms Simson said.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects global growth in new renewable energy capacity to slow for the first time in two decades this year, as the pandemic causes financing challenges and delays construction of projects.
It says renewable power additions should rebound next year to the level reached in 2019, but this will depend on continued support from governments.
Countries may have to revise their policy plans further as the EC is considering setting tougher renewable energy targets next year, as it strives to reduce net EU greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050.
EcoNews is an independent publication that relies on contributions from its readers.
WE’RE BUILDING A PLATFORM WITH A CLEAR FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL GOOD. CONTRIBUTE AND TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT.
If you value EcoNews, but are unable to contribute via sponsorship or advertising we ask that you promote our online store The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au via your social media to assist us to fund this valuable service.
