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Key lawmaker tables radical overhaul of EU’s renewable energy directive

(EurActiv, 16 Feb 2022) Plans to speed up permits for wind farms, promote biofuels in transport, and boost imports of green hydrogen were presented on Tuesday (15 January) by a lawmaker tasked with drawing up European Parliament’s position on the EU renewable energy directive.

Markus Pieper, a German Christian Democrat, outlined his proposed amendments to the renewable energy directive during an online press briefing on Tuesday (15 February).

While he subscribes to the EU’s goal of boosting the share of renewables to 40% of the bloc’s energy mix by 2030, calling it “realistic,” he believes the European Commission’s suggested instruments are “too timid”.

The EU’s climate target for 2030 – a 55% reduction in emissions compared to 1990 levels – “can only be achieved through a massive expansion of renewable energies, in all areas and with innovative technology,” he stressed.

Single market

Pieper’s top priority is to “reduce red tape” and leverage the power of free trade within the EU’s single market of 447 million inhabitants.

“The first point is that the Commission proposal only half-heartedly addresses the synergies of the internal market,” Pieper said.

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EurActiv, 16 Feb 2022: Key lawmaker tables radical overhaul of EU’s renewable energy directive