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Yes to 45% RES! Scientists, cities, cooperatives and renewable energy unite behind higher EU renewables target
Today, led by SolarPower Europe, a partnership of key renewable energy organisations, cooperatives and city associations, and endorsed by scientists from the IPCC and leading universities, is calling members of the European Parliament and EU Member States representatives to endorse a minimum 45% renewable target by 2030.
The letter published today underlines the critical importance of accelerating the clean energy transition to avoid climate catastrophe.
An at least 45% renewable energy target, up from the current 40% proposed by the European Commission, is the most cost-efficient way to reach the EU’s 2030 55% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, and would put the continent on track to deliver on the 1.5° Paris Agreement scenario.
The pathway towards an at least 45% renewable energy target is a path of democratized energy with community-led renewable projects and empowered consumers, clean industrial leadership, and sustainable job creation.
Dirk Vansintjan, president of REScoop.eu said, "In order to fight the climate crisis, we urgently need more ambitious renewable energy targets. Community energy has a huge potential in combating the climate crisis by not only adding more renewables to the system but also by accelerating the energy transition in a decentralised, fair and inclusive way."
Claire Couet, Policy Director at SolarPower Europe said, “Beyond the urgent need to meet our climate goals, more renewables will bring Europe low-cost, democratised energy, industrial leadership, and millions of green jobs. A recent YouGov study already shows that 68% of Europeans support mandatory solar on all new buildings. We must mobilise this public support through a minimum 45% renewables target, and encourage European citizens to become prosumers. Rooftop solar accompanied by residential battery storage systems will increase the share of renewable energy and shield energy consumers from energy price spikes.”
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said, “A minimum 45% renewable energy target is within reach and can be met through effective implementation of the EU’s Clean Energy Package, and the introduction of policies that reflect the European Green Deal ambitions. We have no time to lose in the green transition, we must increase our ambitions and accelerate the move to renewable energies – starting with a European 45% RES target for 2030.”
A higher renewable energy target for 2030 is within reach, and necessary for Europe to meet its climate goals.