One year ago, the European Commission presented the Clean Energy for All Europeans legislative package, but it’s headline target of 27% renewable energy by 2030 fell short of its ambitions. With today’s vote, adopting a target of at least 35% renewables, the European Parliament Committee for Industry, Research and Energy puts the EU within reach of meeting its objective of being world leader in renewables.

James Watson, CEO of SolarPower Europe adds “The European Parliament has shown ambition by adopting an EU binding renewable target of at least 35% by 2030. 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.”

“In view of the Paris agreement, we need a strong national obligation besides ambitious targets of at least 35 %, ” said Dr. Dörte Fouquet, Director, EREF.

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% 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. 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.