European renewables list 2016 legislative priorities

 
The European renewables industry has identified the ten priorities for the 2016 renewables legislative package expected to enable the cost-effective fulfilment of both the 2030 renewables target and the EU’s long-term decarbonisation objectives.

Investment in renewable energy assets in the EU dropped by 18% in 2015 reaching its lowest level since 2006, with retroactive changes in key European markets and the lack of pipeline visibility for the post-2020 period tarnishing the EU’s reputation as a safe investment hub whilst emerging economies position themselves as attractive alternatives, according to the renewables industry.

The historic Paris climate treaty, signed by 195 governments in December 2015, gave investors a clear signal that high-carbon assets are not viable in the long run and that the transition towards renewable-based economy should be accelerated, it is stated in a press release from the renewables industry.

To meet COP21 ambition, EU Member States will need to increase their 2030 collective climate pledge and step up renewable energy deployment efforts.

The European renewables industry states that the European Commission should propose an ambitious post-2020 renewable energy package that fosters a vibrant home market with clear growth perspectives and asserts the EU’s leadership in renewables in the face of rising international competition.

The following 10 priorities for the 2016 renewables legislative package have been identified by the European renewables industry:

1. A new term for the Renewable Energy Directive
2. Ensure coherence among different legislative proposals
3. Make full use of right of initiative to reflect COP21 level of ambition
4. Establish a binding template for national climate and energy plans
5. Propose differentiated EU mechanisms for target delivery
6. Reduce soft costs by addressing persistant market failures and barriers
7. Ensure that renewable support mechanisms are tailor-made
8. Reflect new dynamics at decentralised level
9. Prioritise market design reform
10. Transpose the new renewable package provisions by end 2020