The European Commission (EC) has presented its "Clean Energy for All Europeans" package of legislative proposals that cover energy efficiency, renewable energy, the design of the electricity market, security of electricity supply and governance rules for the Energy Union.
Today the European Commission (EC) presented its awaited “Clean Energy for All Europeans” package of measures. The “winter package” of legislative proposals cover energy efficiency, renewable energy, the design of the electricity market, security of electricity supply and governance rules for the Energy Union. In addition the Commission proposes a new way forward for Ecodesign as well as a strategy for connected and automated mobility all in a bid to keep the European Union (EU) competitive as the clean energy transition changes global energy markets.
Pro- and consumer centric
According to a statement the EC wants the EU to “lead” the clean energy transition, not only “adapt” to it. The EU has committed to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by at least 40 percent by 2030 while modernising the EU’s economy and delivering on jobs and growth for all European citizens. Today’s proposals have three main goals: putting energy efficiency first, achieving global leadership in renewable energies and providing a fair deal for consumers
– Today’s package will boost the clean energy transition by modernising our economy. Having led global climate action in recent years, Europe is now showing example by creating the conditions for sustainable jobs, growth and investment. Today’s proposals touch upon all clean energy related sectors: research and innovation, skills, buildings, industry, transport, digital, finance to name but a few. These measures will equip all European citizens and businesses with the means to make the most of the clean energy transition, said Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President for the Energy Union.
The EC proposals take particular note of the fact that consumers are active and central players on future energy markets and across the EU consumers will have a better choice of supply, access to reliable energy price comparison tools and the possibility to produce and sell their own electricity. Increased transparency and better regulation give more opportunities for civil society to become more involved in the energy system and respond to price signals. The package also contains a number of measures aimed at protecting the most vulnerable consumers.
Unlocking growth potential
According to the statement the Commission’s “Clean Energy for All Europeans” proposals are designed to show that the clean energy transition is the growth sector of the future – where the “smart money” is. In 2015, clean energies attracted global investment of over EUR 300 billion with the EU being “well placed” to use research, development and innovation policies to turn its transition into a concrete industrial opportunity.
The package also includes actions to accelerate clean energy innovation and to renovate Europe’s buildings. It provides measures to encourage public and private investment, promote EU industrial competitiveness and mitigate the societal impact of the clean energy transition. By mobilising up to EUR 177 billion of public and private investment per annum from 2021, the package has according to the statement, a potential to generate up to a 1 percent increase in GDP over the next decade and create 900 000 new jobs.
– Our proposals provide a strong market pull for new technologies, set the right conditions for investors, empower consumers, make energy markets work better and help us meet our climate targets. I’m particularly proud of the binding 30 percent energy efficiency target, as it will reduce our dependency on energy imports, create jobs and cut more emissions. Europe is on the brink of a clean energy revolution. And just as we did in Paris, we can only get this right if we work together. With these proposals, the Commission has cleared the way to a more competitive, modern and cleaner energy system. Now we count on European the Parliament and our Member States to make it a reality, said Miguel Arias Cañete Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy.
