«Energy Security in the EU: The Role of Renewables»

The European Union finds itself at a crossroads in its path towards decarbonization. On the one hand, there is a continuous need to substitute Russian energy with alternative supplies to ensure energy security. On the other, the urgency in shifting towards renewable energy sources has never been greater. In 2021, as part of the Fit-for-55 legislative package, the European Commission proposed raising the EU’s minimum share of renewable energy sources in final energy consumption for 2030 from 32% to 40%. Less than a year later, in response to the energy market disruption caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Commission proposed increasing the target to 45% as part of its REPowerEU plan.

This webinar, organized by Esade-URL, will discuss the newly proposed target and reflect on obstacles and supporting measures for the further deployment of renewables under the current energy crisis. Some questions to discuss include: What can be expected in the negotiations on the proposed 45% target and the amendment to the Renewable Energy Directive? How will the decision to classify renewable energy plants and electricity grids and storage as an ‘overriding public interest’ accelerate their deployment? What are the keys to strengthening the EU’s solar PV and wind sector’s value chain? How do stakeholders assess the rules that are being proposed to accelerate and simplify permit-granting procedures? What are the main obstacles in implementing the Commission’s recommendations on facilitating Power Purchase Agreements?