The European Commission on November 30 presented a package of measures to keep the European Union competitive as the global clean energy transition is changing the energy markets.

As an encompassing element, the Commission proposes a binding EU-wide target of 30% for energy efficiency by 2030.

The Commission noted that the package proposals have three main goals: putting energy efficiency first, achieving global leadership in renewable energies and providing a fair deal for consumers.

European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič said the package presented on November 30 would boost the clean energy transition by modernising Europe’s economy.
“Having led the global climate action in recent years, Europe is now showing example by creating the conditions for sustainable jobs, growth and investment. Today’s proposals touch upon all clean energy related sectors: research and innovation, skills, buildings, industry, transport, digital, finance to name but a few. These measures will equip all European citizens and businesses with the means to make the most of the clean energy transition,” Šefčovič said.

Meeting Climate Targets

For his part, Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete said the proposals “provide a strong market pull for new technologies, set the right conditions for investors, empower consumers, make energy markets work better and help us meet our climate targets. I’m particularly proud of the binding 30% energy efficiency target, as it will reduce our dependency on energy imports, create jobs and cut more emissions”.

Europe is on the brink of a clean energy revolution, Cañete said, adding that the Commission has cleared the way to a more competitive, modern and cleaner energy system.

“Now we count on European Parliament and our Member States to make it a reality.” The Commission’s ‘Clean Energy for All Europeans’ proposals are designed to show that the clean energy transition is the growth sector of the future – that’s where the smart money is. Clean energies in 2015 attracted global investment of over 300 billion euros,” Cañete said.

“The EU is well placed to use our research, development and innovation policies to turn this transition into a concrete industrial opportunity. By mobilising up to 177 billion euros of public and private investment per year from 2021, this package can generate up to 1% increase in GDP over the next decade and create 900,000 new jobs,” he added.