The EU is preparing an overhaul of its renewable energy regulations, which will now include measures targeting transport and industry.
According to Reuters, the European Commission is preparing to present 12 climate change policies in July, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions faster.
Namelt, EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson informed that the revamp will advance power purchase agreements for renewable energy and target sectors that have been slow to take up sources like wind, solar or bioenergy, like transport and industry.
The pace of renewables uptake is not where it should be, so we are looking at setting an indicative target for renewables in this sector
warned Ms. Simson.
According to Ms. Simson other proposals could regard labels for industrial products made using renewables.
Right now, the EU tries to get about 33% of its energy from renewables by 2030. However, this means that more must be done in order to achieve its new climate target, cutting greenhouse gas emissions at least 55% by 2030, from 1990 levels.
The Commission is also planning “target-based measures” for hydrogen use in transport modes that will struggle to electrify quickly.
Ms. Simson now hopes that the proposals will tighten the sustainability rules that forest biomass must meet to be counted as renewable when burned to produce energy.
Earlier this year, the Transport Committee of the European Parliament adopted the Delli Report on more efficient and cleaner maritime transport, which calls on the Commission, among others, to address the carbon intensity of fuels under the FuelEU Maritime initiative.
The European Commission launched the initiative earlier in February, aiming to increase the use of sustainable alternative fuels in European shipping and ports, as part of its efforts to drive decarbonization and sustainability within the industry.
The Delli Report, which was adopted by parliament on Thursday, actually calls on the Commission to address under the FuelEU Maritime initiative, not only the carbon intensity of fuels, but also the technical and operational measures, which would improve the efficiency of ships and their operations. It also underlines the important role of short sea shipping in achieving modal shift objectives and reducing transport-related congestion and emissions to move towards zero-emission transport.
