How does WindEurope engage with the EU Green Deal and Fit for 55 Package, and why are these policies important for the future of the EU and the green transition?
The EU Green Deal has been transformational, introducing a dense set of new legislation during the last five-year term of the EU institutions, now requiring implementation. Our engagement with the Green Deal involved influencing these legislative measures, particularly those under the Fit for 55 package. Fit for 55 includes new targets for renewable energy, energy efficiency, the extension of the EU emissions trading system, and reforms of Europe's energy markets. While most of this legislation has been agreed upon, the reform of the EU's energy tax directive remains an exception due to the need for unanimity, highlighting existing disincentives in energy taxation.
Despite this, the overall push towards renewable energy and energy efficiency has accelerated, especially following the onset of the war in Ukraine. The EU's REpowerEU strategy aims to rapidly reduce Europe’s overreliance on Russian gas supplies, necessitating the rapid build-out of renewables and grid infrastructure. This shift emphasizes the importance of renewables for energy independence and sustainability in the EU, driving a robust political consensus behind these policies.
How do political changes in the EU impact the Green Deal and renewable energy initiatives?
The recent European elections have introduced a shift in political dynamics, raising some questions about the continued strong support for the Green Deal. While there are concerns about specific aspects, such as policies affecting farmers and rural communities, the majority of Green Deal initiatives still command significant political backing. For instance, the transition to electric vehicles and the extension of the emissions trading system to individual consumers have faced some resistance but remain integral to the EU's climate goals. Political concerns, such as the potential undermining of Europe's food security and the economic impact on rural areas, have created contention around certain Green Deal measures.
However, the mainstream political support for renewable energy growth, grid infrastructure expansion, and energy efficiency improvements remains strong. The broader public's response to the cost of living crisis and energy price inflation has influenced political discourse, yet the overall direction towards a green transition continues to gain traction. Policymakers, industry and citizens have started to understand that renewables are cheap and help to ensure affordable electricity prices for households and corporate consumers.
How does WindEurope address the challenge of variability in renewable energy, particularly with offshore wind?
The future of energy in Europe is heavily reliant on electricity, with the EU aiming for 75% of its energy consumption to come from electricity by 2050, over half of which is expected to be sourced from wind energy.
Offshore wind isgrowing rapidly. But we will still see the majority of wind energy coming from onshore installations. Managing the variability of wind and solar energy output is critical, necessitating significant investments in storage and demand response technologies.
Currently, Europe has around 100 gigawatts of demand response capacity, which helps match variable supply with consumption. Short-term and long-term storage solutions, such as hydro pump storage and battery units, are being developed and expanded to handle periods of low wind and solar output. Countries like Ireland demonstrate successful integration of high levels of renewable energy through market-based systems that incentivize balancing services and investments in ancillary technologies.
Why is renewable energy appealing despite the challenges, and how does WindEurope promote its benefits?
Renewable energy offers lower electricity prices, energy security, and environmental benefits, making it appealing to consumers and policymakers alike. Wind and solar energy are cheaper to produce than traditional fossil fuels, contributing to reduced consumer bills and less dependence on imported energy. Additionally, renewables bring significant local economic benefits, including job creation and community investments.
WindEurope actively promotes these advantages by highlighting the economic contributions of the wind energy sector, such as the 370,000 jobs it supports and the substantial GDP contributions. By engaging with local communities and ensuring they benefit from renewable projects, WindEurope fosters support for onshore and offshore wind. Our efforts to communicate the tangible benefits of renewables help drive the green transition and secure public and political backing for sustainable energy initiatives.
