The Commission adopted the Green paper “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” (procedure file in the EP Legislative Observatory) in March 2013. The key objectives are “reducing greenhouse gas emission, securing energy supply and supporting growth, competitiveness and jobs through a high technology, cost efficient approach”. It takes into account the longer-term perspectives to 2050 set out in the Roadmaps for a Low carbon economy and Energy, as well as the Transport white paper.
Key issues for the new 2030 framework involve decision on the level of climate and energy targets (following on from the ‘20-20-20 targets’ in the energy and climate package from 2009) and how they should interact. Experience with the current 2020 framework shows that targets provide certainty for investors and act as benchmarks for measuring progress, but policies to reach them have not always been coherent or cost-effective. The many and varying support mechanisms for renewable energy in different Member States have, as an example, been seen as creating problems with cross-border electricity trading and having had a negative effect on electricity prices. Member States, MEPs, and other stakeholders have conflicting views on the need to continue the current practice of defining separate targets for greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Many believe that an overarching climate target would suffice. The Commission is expected to adopt a legislative proposal in 2014.
Overviews
Climate and energy policy to 2030 / Nadine Heitmann, Nadine ; Centrum für Europäische Politik (CEP), 2013
This CEP policy brief provides an overview of the proposal for a new climate and energy framework to 2030.
Latest news items; ENDS Europe | Euractiv
Analysis – general
EU policy options for climate and energy beyond 2020 / Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency ; Edofys, 2013
This study analyses possible options for an EU policy framework for 2030 that will steer towards a low-carbon economy by 2050 in a cost-effective way.
A new wave of European climate and energy policy: towards a 2030 framework / Hanrahan, Gina. Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), 2013
This policy brief attempts to provide an understanding of the current debates on what kind of climate and energy regime EU wants and needs in the post-2020 period.
Hat-trick 2030: an integrated climate and energy framework / Muth, Josche. European Renewable Energy Council (EREC), 2013
This EREC paper sets out a number of reasons why an integrated renewables – greenhouse gas – energy efficiency 2030 policy approach with binding renewable energy target yields more benefits for European citizens and industries than a one-legged policy based on a supposedly “technology-neutral” GHG-only approach.
Infrastructure networks and the 2030 climate and energy framework / Gaventa, Jonathan. E3G, 2013
This E3G working paper argues that in order to succeed with developing a new climate and energy framework for 2030, the package must deliver a renewed approach to network infrastructure. This is necessary to underpin deployment of low carbon generation resources within an integrated European power market.
Binding targets
Updating the EU’s energy and climate policy / Fischer, Severin ; Geden, Oliver. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2013
This study focuses on the discussion of the energy and climate strategy for the post-2020 period. Should EU energy policy be primarily derived from specific climate policy goals? What degree of national sovereignty on energy policy matters should individual Member States be entitled to retain vis-à-vis the EU?
The need and necessity of an EU wide renewable energy target for 2030 / de Vos, Rolf ; Ecofys ; European Copper Institute ; Leonardo Energy, 2013
This Ecofys report analyses two realistic policy portfolio options for renewable energy and target-setting; one ‘decarbonisation-only’ EU target with voluntary national targets for renewable energy, and one that includes an EU-wide renewable energy target, broken down into binding national targets.
2030 climate and energy policy: the time is now / Friends of the Earth Europe, 2013
In this briefing Friends of the Earth Europe calls for three ambitious and binding targets for 2030 to cut greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and develop renewable energies.
Renewable energy: a 2030 scenario for the EU / Heller, Renee ; Ecofys ; WWF, 2013
This report develops 2030 renewable energy and energy savings targets for the EU, which are in line with the methodology and goal (almost 100% RES in 2050) of the previous energy report.
Support mechanisms for renewable energy
Status review of renewable and energy efficiency support schemes in Europe / CEER (Council of European Energy Regulators), 2013
This review collects comparable data on RES support in Europe in order to provide policy-makers , regulators and industry participants with information on support schemes for electricity from renewable energy sources, by technology and type of instrument.
Recent developments of feed-in systems in the EU: a research paper for the International Feed-In Cooperation / Fraunhofer ISI, 2012
This study gives an overview over support mechanisms for renewables in the EU.
Implications of non-harmonised renewable support schemes / CEER (Council of European Energy Regulators), 2012
The report examines the effect that differences between support schemes in Europe may have on investment decisions and on market functioning.
How to create a single European electricity market – and subsidise renewables / Buchan, David. Centre for European Reform (CER), 2012
Renewable energy needs subsidy. But different national subsidy schemes threaten energy integration. Schemes should be harmonised, even if the amount of subsidy continues to differ.
Stakeholder positions
Public consultation – Green Paper on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies (28/03/2013 to 02/07/2013);
* Contributions – Results
Cleaner, simpler, smarter: cost-efficient energy for Europe’s business and consumers. Green Paper on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies / Eurelectric, 2013
[Eurelectric represents the common interests of the electricity industry at pan-European level]
A competitive EU energy and climate policy: recommendations for a 2030 framework for energy and climate policies / BusinessEurope, 2013
[Influential business organization based in Brussels]
A binding energy savings target for 2030: the cornerstone for mutually supporting climate and energy policies / The Coalition for Energy Savings, 2013
[Coalition that bring together business, professionals, local authorities and civil society organisations]
