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

Written by Alex Wilson and Agnieszka Widuto (3rd edition, updated on 23.05.2023).

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 is obliged to ensure at least 32 % of its energy consumption comes from renewable energy sources (RES) by 2030. The revised RED II strengthens these provisions and sets a new EU target of a minimum 40 % share of RES in final energy consumption by 2030, accompanied by new sectoral targets. As part of the REPowerEU plan (May 2022), the Commission proposes to further raise this RES target to a 45 % share by 2030.

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 a provisional agreement raising the share of renewables to 42.5 % by 2030. The next step is the formal adoption of the directive by the co-legislators.

Versions

• May 2023: Revision of the Renewable Energy Directive: Fit for 55 package (3rd edition)