Council amends Directive (EU) 2018/2001 in order to strengthen the European Union’s legal framework for the promotion of energy from renewable sources. As part of the EU’s climate and energy policy in line with the European Green Deal, the Fit for 55 package, and the REPowerEU Plan, this revision increases ambition to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security.

The revised Directive sets a binding Union target of a 42.5% share of energy from renewable sources in gross final energy consumption by 2030, with the ambition to reach 45%. It introduces accelerated permitting procedures for renewable energy projects, especially in renewables acceleration areas, and implements a “presumption of overriding public interest” for specific renewable energy projects.

The Directive also includes sector-specific sub-targets:

• In industry, a binding target for a 1.6 percentage point annual increase in renewable energy use.
• In transport, a binding greenhouse gas intensity reduction of at least 14.5% or a minimum 29% share of renewable energy by 2030.
• In heating and cooling, an indicative annual increase of 0.8 percentage points at the national level (1.1 percentage points for certain Member States).

It enhances provisions related to renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), including hydrogen, and strengthens sustainability criteria for biomass.

This Directive reinforces the role of renewable energy as a strategic pillar of the Union’s energy independence, competitiveness, and climate neutrality goals. It is a central element of delivering on the EU’s legally binding commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.