EU Launches Public Consultation on the Review of the Renewable Energy Directive
The European Commission launched a public consultation on the EU’s review of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDII). The European Commission is looking at aligning REDII targets with the European Green Deal. It will also review sustainability criteria for forestry biomass that was introduced by REDII. Interested stakeholders have until February 9, 2021 to partake in the consultation.
General Information: On November 17, 2020, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the EU’s review of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDII). The review of RED II is carried out in the context of the European Green Deal in which the Commission committed itself to “review and propose to revise, where necessary” the relevant energy legislation by 2021. With the European Green Deal, the Commission aims for the European Union to become carbon neutral by 2050. Currently, the EU has a target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 percent by 2020, compared with 1990 levels, and by 40 percent by 2030. In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the Commission has proposed a reduction of GHG emissions of 55 percent by 20301. In order to achieve this reduction, the European Union will need to increase its production and consumption of renewable energy. As part of the review process, the European Commission will look at the sustainability criteria introduced by REDII for forest biomass to “mitigate climate and environmental risks created by the increasing use of certain sources for bioenergy.” An ongoing study, carried out by the European Commission’s Joint Research Center, on the use of forest biomass for energy production will also feed into the review of the criteria. This study is expected to be published by the end of 2020. This consultation will feed into the review process of REDII, and contribute to an impact assessment that the Commission will carry out to determine whether a revision is needed and what revision would be the most appropriate. U.S. Stakeholders who would like to take part in the consultation can do so on the following page: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12553-Revision-of-the- Renewable-Energy-Directive-EU-2018-2001/public-consultation The deadline for input is 12:00 am Brussels Time (Universal Time Coordinated + 01:00) on February 9, 2021. All comments made in the framework of the consultation may be published.
More Information:
EU Parliament and Council Move Forward on Landmark EU Climate Law
EU Green Deal – September 2020 Update
EU Commission Unveils EU Climate Target Plan 2030
European Commission Launches Public Consultation on Possible Revision of REDII
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