With the new directive, the EU is setting significantly higher targets for renewable energy by 2030 and is providing concrete instruments
Vienna (OTS) – The new EU directive for renewable energy, or RED III for short, has been in force since November 20, 2023. It also sets significantly higher targets for Austria in terms of the share of renewable energy in the energy supply by 2030. The new EU directive requires immediate action by the member states, in many cases by July 1, 2024. “With RED III, the EU is pursuing higher goals for renewable energy supply in order to take a significant step closer to climate neutrality and an independent energy supply. But the EU not only demands, it also creates the necessary scope!
“, emphasizes Martina Prechtl-Grundnig, Managing Director of the Austrian Renewable Energy Association.
Overall, the share of renewables in gross final energy consumption in the EU should be increased from the current 22% to at least 42.5%, or better even 45%. For Austria, this requirement means an increase in its own share of renewable energy from 36.4 percent to at least 60 percent within the next six years. With the new goals and the instruments provided, the EU is clearly leading the way. “With RED III, the EU has given the member states a toolbox for the energy transition. The tools include acceleration areas for renewable energy, faster and simpler procedures or the determination that renewables are in the overriding public interest. This will allow us to enormously accelerate the expansion of renewable energies and the restructuring of the networks and thus ensure a secure and clean energy supply in the near future
“, says Ursula Nährer, lawyer from the wind power interest group, assessing the EU directive.
In the building sector (heating, hot water, cooling), the share of renewable energy across the EU is expected to increase to 49% by 2030. For Austria, this means a renewables share of around 70 percent, doubling the current share. “In order to transform the heat supply in households, sufficient amounts of biomass, solar thermal energy and ambient heat, including geothermal energy, will be needed by 2030, both as in-building heating and as district heating. The EU also provides member states with appropriate measures for switching to renewable heat, such as clear regulations for the gradual phase-out of fossil heat with clear interim goals, subsidies and measures to minimize risks and provide social cushioning
“, says Peter Seifert from Geothermal Austria.
When it comes to electricity, Austria itself strives to be 100% renewable. In order to close the remaining gap by 2030, an additional expansion of 34 to 39 terawatt hours is required. “The EU’s goals are ambitious but feasible. But politicians in Austria must take immediate action, election campaign or not. We just have to use the EU toolbox supplied! RED III must be anchored nationally through laws and regulations; the federal and state governments must pull together on the goals. And particularly important: Many of the requirements can be implemented immediately by the federal states!” concludes Martina Prechtl-Grundnig.
Questions & Contact:
Renewable energy Austria
Judith Brockmann
+43 664 3436129
judith.brockmann@erneuerbare-energie.at
www.erneuerbare-energie.at