Renewable Energy Industry to play a vital role in supporting European industry lead decarbonisation, claims Ca?ete

Local governments, businesses and trade unions are encouraging leaders in the EU to stand up to the rising challenge of climate change and increase the rate of transition towards clean energy in Europe.

In a recent letter to the European Council, the Coalition for Higher Ambition stated that discussions regarding the increased action against climate change are rising rapidly. This highlights how important climate action is within the future plans for Europe and how increasing the commitments stated within the Paris Agreement is now an urgent requirement. European leaders will meet at the European Council this week to discuss the vision for delivering a climate neutral economy.

A recent meeting of the renewable energy division of the Clean Energy Industrial Forum, managed by EU Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete, focused on the commitment of the Commission to ensuring the EU becomes a global leader in renewable energy. Canete believes that moving towards clean energy provides great opportunity in regards to investment, further developments and additional jobs in Europe. He states that renewable energy will play a critical role in ensuring industries across Europe become leaders in innovation, decarbonisation and digital technology. Canete refers to the last meeting as an important time to measure recent developments and how the latest trends can be converted into new actions to ensure the European renewable energy market remains competitive.

Canete explains that they have designed a solid basis for improving the competitiveness of industry in Europe. A target of 32% renewable energy by 2030 has been announced, along with supportive policies for heating, cooling and the transport industries. New regulations have also enabled the formation of a clear National Energy and Climate Plan for the period up until 2030. The EU Commissioner believes they have delivered the most advanced regulatory framework to ensure a successful transition towards clean energy. It provides a modernised electricity network that is capable of integrating with the emerging number of varied and decentralised renewable energy systems in a totally flexible, competitive and secure method.

The EU commissioner explained in recent meetings that it was the role of the EU to discuss and identify key planned activities that will prepare and ensure the European renewable energy market remains competitive.

This year the European Commission intends to be the first to deploy large scale offshore wind turbines of 10 MW, another example of research and innovation that has to enable European businesses to become industry leaders. Another example of innovation is the delivery of perovskite solar cells, which emerged into the market this year, thanks to support from the European Union. Canete explains that further support has enabled a German manufacturing facility to create a commercially viable crystalline silicon and perovskite solar cell. This innovative technology could provide a significant change in the efficiency of PV panels, securing a strong competitive advantage for renewable energy technologies in Europe.

The EU intends to continue its commitment to investment in supporting technology within the renewable energy market. Canete explains they have already proposed this within the future research and innovation programme Horizon Europe, where 35% of funding will be allocated towards making the transition towards clean energy technologies.

The EU has also implemented the Innovation Fund with an anticipated fund of €1 billion primarily aimed at supporting solutions in technology and enhancing the transition towards a climate-neutral society. Furthermore, the EU has launched its InnovfinEnergy Demonstration Projects fund which secured €172 million to support innovative demonstration projects for new clean technology.

Another important area to support leadership and competitiveness in Europe is the EU trade policy. Canete explains that through trade policies, the EU has ensured they continue to have access to emerging markets and that European businesses can maintain their current level of competition.