La Association of Renewable Energy Producers (APPA Renovables) has positively valued the significant support of the European Parliament to achieve the ambitious goal of 35% renewable energy by 2030. This target was ratified with 70% of votes in favour, far exceeding the 27% initially proposed by the European Council. While this announcement represents progress, APPA regrets the lack of binding targets at national level, leaving it up to each country to establish internal policies to achieve them.
This context represents an opportunity for countries such as Spain, with enormous potential in renewable energies, adopt more ambitious commitments and integrate them into their legislative framework, especially in the next Climate Change and Energy Transition LawAPPA urges that the 35% target be implemented at the national level as well and that regulations supporting this transition be strengthened.
APPA's message to the Spanish Government
APPA has sent a clear message to the Spanish government, urging it to actively adopt the 35% target within its energy legislation. Although Spain still supports the 27% target in the forum of the European CouncilAPPA highlights the urgent need to align national commitments with European ones. This would consolidate Spain's leadership in the field of renewable energy, as several sectors in the country have proven capable of achieving over the years.
To achieve an increase from the current 27% to 35% in the next 12 years, it will be essential to take advantage of all available renewable technologies, including solar, wind, biomass energy y biofuelsSupport for biofuels, however, has been limited by new European directives that set their share at 5%, which threatens the stability of this industry in the country.
The photovoltaic sector and the legislative support of UNEF
La Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF) also welcomes the decision of the European Parliament, stressing that it is a strong endorsement of the development of the photovoltaic sector. This support is part of the Renewable Energy Directive of the Clean Energy Package, which underlines the importance of renewables in the Paris AgreementUNEF has reiterated that the growing competitiveness of solar energy makes this sector a key player in the energy transition in Spain.
Another important victory that UNEF celebrates is the elimination of barriers to energy self-consumption, Tales como el famous "sun tax"This tax had been a significant obstacle for citizens wishing to generate and consume their own electricity. The new European legislation clearly commits to guaranteeing the right to self-consumption, as well as facilitating the simplification of administrative procedures throughout the European Union.
Challenges and successes in the Spanish wind sector
La Wind Business Association (AEE) welcomed the outcome of the vote in the European Parliament, stating that the targets set, although not binding, offer a great opportunity for Spain to lead the way in the wind sector. More than 40.000 MW of installed capacity Projected for 2030, wind energy could generate up to 30% of the electricity in the country.
In economic terms, the wind sector helps reduce fossil fuel imports by more than 18 million tonnes of oil equivalent, as well as avoiding the emission of 47 million tonnes of CO2. However, the sector continues to insist that regulatory stability is essential to maintain this positive trajectory. Otherwise, the industry could see its international competitiveness compromised by uncertainty in national policies.
Biofuels: a sector at risk
One of the most controversial sections of the new European guidelines is the limitations imposed on biofuels. From 2021, certain types of biodiesel will be banned, while the contribution of conventional biofuels will not exceed 5%. This jeopardizes the survival of the national biofuel industry, which has played a key role in achieving Spain's renewable energy goals.
In addition, the European Parliament has set a target of 12% renewable energy in the transport sector, where biofuels will continue to play a key role. Even so, the 5% limit on traditional biofuels poses a major challenge for an industry that must adapt quickly to keep up with new demands.
Spain, which has fallen behind in its 2020 commitments due to the moratorium on renewables, will have to redouble its efforts if it wants to meet the 35% target for 2030. The contribution of biofuels will be essential in this endeavour, although the industry will have to balance environmental sustainability with its economic viability.
In short, the 35% renewable energy target for 2030 represents a milestone in the European Union's energy policies. Organisations such as APPA, AEE and UNEF have welcomed it with optimism, but also with the awareness that a common effort will be necessary, backed by clear policies and a determined commitment on the part of Member States, such as Spain.