Renewable energy progress report

Renewable energy is at the core of the Energy Union's priorities. The Renewable Energy Directive has been and will continue being a central element of the Energy Union policy and a key driver for providing clean energy for all Europeans, in view of making the EU world number one in renewables while contributing to the five dimensions of the Energy Union.

- First, renewables have played a major role in energy security. Their estimated contribution to fossil fuel import savings in 2015 was €16bn and it is projected to be €58bn in 2030.

- Second, thanks to fast decreasing costs owing to technological advancement, especially in the power sector, renewables can also be gradually further integrated in the market. The recast of the Renewables Directive for the period after 2020 together with the Market Design proposals as part of the Clean energy for all Europeans package will further enable renewables participation on equal footing with other energy sources.

- Third, renewables also walk hand and hand with energy efficiency. In the electricity sector, fuel-switching from combustible fossil fuels to non-combustible renewables could reduce primary energy consumption. In the building sector, renewables solutions can improve the energy performance of building in a cost-effective way.

- Fourth, renewables are also a crucial driver for the decarbonization of the Union's energy system. In 2015, renewables contributed to gross avoided greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions of the equivalent of the emissions of Italy.

- Last but not least, renewables play a major role in making the EU a global leader on innovation. With 30% of global patents in renewables, the EU has been a pioneer in this field, and is committed to prioritise research and innovation to further drive the energy transition.

In addition, the benefits of renewables expand well beyond the above. Renewable energies are source of economic growth and jobs for Europeans. They also contribute to lowering air pollution and helping developing countries with access to affordable and clean energy.

In 2014, the EU and a vast majority of Member States were on track to their 2020 binding targets. Progress has been fastest in the electricity sector, while the largest absolute contribution continues to be provided in the heating and cooling sector. Progress in transport has been slowest so far. The existence of a large untapped potential in the heating and cooling and transport sectors calls for further action as set out in the proposal for a recast of the Renewable Energy Directive for the period after 2020, as part of the Clean Energy for all Europeans package presented in November 2016. This package confirms the commitment of the European Commission to make the European Union the world number one in renewables and provide a fair deal for energy consumers.

In accordance with the requirements set out in the Renewable Energy Directive, this report provides a comprehensive overview of renewable energy deployment in the EU. It also includes an assessment of administrative barriers, as well as biofuel sustainability.

European Commission: Press Release, IP/16/4009 (30.11.16): Adoption of the 'Clean Energy for All Europeans' package http://www.europeansources.info/record/adoption-of-the-clean-energy-for-all-europeans-package/

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