The Association of Renewable Energy Producers (APPA Renovables) has welcomed the significant support from the European Parliament for achieving the ambitious target of 35% renewable energy by 2030. This goal was ratified with 70% of votes in favor, far exceeding the 27% initially proposed by the European Council. While this announcement represents progress, APPA regrets the lack of binding national targets , leaving it to each individual country to establish its own internal policies to achieve them.
This context presents an opportunity for countries like Spain , with enormous potential in renewable energy, to adopt more ambitious commitments and integrate them into their legislative framework, especially in the upcoming Climate Change and Energy Transition Law . APPA 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% renewable energy target within its energy legislation. Although Spain still supports the 27% target in the European Council forum , APPA emphasizes the urgent need to align national commitments with European ones. This would consolidate Spain's leadership in the renewable energy sector, as various sectors in the country have demonstrated their ability to achieve over the years.
To achieve an increase from the current 27% to 35% over the next 12 years, it will be essential to leverage all available renewable technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, and biofuels . However, support for biofuels has been limited by new European directives that cap their share at 5%, threatening the stability of this industry in the country.
The photovoltaic sector and the legislative support of UNEF
The Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF) also welcomes the European Parliament's decision, highlighting it as strong support for the development of the photovoltaic sector. This support falls within the framework of the Renewable Energy Directive of the Clean Energy Package , which underscores the importance of renewables in the Paris Agreement . UNEF has reiterated that the growing competitiveness of solar energy makes this sector a key player in Spain's energy transition.
Another important victory celebrated by UNEF is the elimination of barriers to energy self-consumption , such as the infamous "sun tax ." This tax had been a significant obstacle for citizens wishing to generate and consume their own electricity. The new European regulations clearly commit to guaranteeing the right to self-consumption, as well as simplifying administrative procedures throughout the European Union.
Challenges and successes in the Spanish wind sector
The Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE) has welcomed the outcome of the vote in the European Parliament, indicating that the targets set, although not legally binding, offer a great opportunity for Spain to lead the way in the wind energy sector. With more than 40.000 MW of installed capacity projected for 2030, wind power could generate up to 30% of the country's electricity.
In economic terms, the wind energy sector helps reduce fossil fuel imports by more than 18 million tons of oil equivalent, in addition to preventing the emission of 47 million tons of CO2. However, the sector continues to emphasize that regulatory stability is essential to maintaining this positive trajectory. Otherwise, the industry could see its international competitiveness compromised due to uncertainty in national policies.
Biofuels: a sector at risk
One of the most controversial aspects of the new European guidelines is the restrictions 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 domestic biofuels industry , which has played a key role in achieving Spain's renewable energy targets.
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.