Revision of the Renewable Energy Directive: Fit for 55 package [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Agnieszka Widuto (4th edition, updated on 04.12..2023).

On 14 July 2021 the European Commission adopted the ‘fit for 55’ package, which adapts existing climate and energy legislation to meet the new EU objective of a minimum 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. The ‘fit for 55’ package is part of the European Green Deal, which aims to put the EU firmly on the path towards climate neutrality by 2050.

A key element in the ‘fit for 55’ package is the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), to help the EU deliver the new 55 % GHG target. Under RED II, the EU was obliged to ensure at least 32 % of its energy consumption comes from renewable energy sources (RES) by 2030. The ‘fit for 55’ revision increased this target to 40 %. Under the REPowerEU plan of May 2022 it was then raised to 45 %. Additional targets were also proposed for several sectors, such as transport, buildings, industry, and heating and cooling.

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In the European Parliament, the file was referred to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), with the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety as associated committee under Rule 57. The trilogue negotiations were concluded on 30 March 2023 with an agreement raising the share of renewables to 42.5 % by 2030. The revised directive (RED III) was published in the Official Journal on 31 October, and entered into force on 20 November 2023.

Versions

• December 2023: Revision of the Renewable Energy Directive: Fit for 55 package (4th edition)