In developing a long-term, secure, sustainable and competitive energy system, the Commission believes Europe should be "a leader in renewable energy", so it is important to continue increasing the share of renewable energy sources across the EU. In October 2014, the European Council agreed a goal of at least 27% share of renewables by 2030, together with at least a 40% cut in domestic GHG emissions compared to 1990, and at least 27% improvement in energy efficiency.
However, the RED II target of at least 27% renewables is binding only on the EU as a whole, not individual Member States, so the Commission proposes to develop the means to spur renewable energy investments and allow access to low-cost capital, including ensuring that any potential gap in reaching the target 27% is filled.
This consultation included 30 questions on the impacts and benefits of the present and proposed future directives, including the need for faster progress in decarbonising heating/cooling and the transport sector: it closed on Wednesday 10th February. Visit the European Commission consultation page here, and read the EC consultation document here (both open in new windows).
You can download and read our consultation response here.