A number of renewable energy sector associations have supported the vote by the European Parliament Committee for Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) to adopt a target of at least 35 percent renewables by 2030, but further action is necessary they argue.

The European energy sector must fully decarbonise to comply with the objective of the Paris Agreement and keep average global temperature increase below 1.5°C. A 35 percent renewable energy target in 2030 is the bare minimum required to maintain the fast-paced growth of the renewable sector in face of increasing international competition believe the 11-strong group of clean energy sector associations, consisting of AEBIOM, EBA, EGEC Geothermal, EHPA, EREF, ESTELA, EUREC, Ocean Energy Europe, Solar Heat Europe, Solar Power Europe and Wind Power Europe. A strong and vibrant domestic market will ensure Europe reaps the economic benefits of a clean and efficient energy system fit for the twenty-first century.

“The European Parliament has shown ambition by adopting an EU binding renewable target of at least 35 percent by 2030” said James Watson, CEO of SolarPower Europe. “Through this vote MEPs send a clear signal, that Europeans expect investments in renewables to increase in the next decade compared to the current one. We now call on the Council to endorse these ambitions and make sure that Europe leads on renewables.”