EU Votes to Boost Renewable Energy Targets

European Union (EU) lawmakers have voted to boost energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources in the next 22 years.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) said renewable energy sources should account for 35% of total consumption by 2030, up on a 27% target proposed by the European Commission in December. National targets will be set, and member states will be able to deviate from the agreed goal by 10%. 

The EU Parliament also voted in favour of a minimum 35% binding EU energy efficiency target, and a draft law on energy efficiency was approved.

SolarPower Europe Outlines Key Conditions for Fostering Solar Storage

SolarPower Europe (SPE) has published 10 policy priorities geared at facilitating expansion of solar power and energy storage within the European market.

Targeting both front-of-meter and behind-the-meter contexts, the priorities concern matters of definition, market design, and remuneration.

SPE hopes its recommendations will resonate with the European Commission as it finalizes preparation of future energy legislation for the European Union.

Ruling clarifies EU members states' biofuels legislation obligation

On July 19, Advocate General Kokott[1] delivered an important Opinion clarifying EU Member States’ obligations in legislating with regard to biofuels, and in particular in establishing biofuels quotas.[2] According to the Opinion, biofuels quotas are only justifiable if they meet the five strict cumulative sustainability criteria laid down by the 2009 Fuel Directive, which notably governs the quality of petrol and diesel fuel and establishes a mechanism to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.[3] With 20 EU Member States having introduced biofuels quotas in their national legislations[4], the Opinion will undoubtedly have great impact. Indeed, if the interpretation is followed by the Court of Justice, it will bind all national Courts of the EU in which the same legal issue is raised.