Source: European Parliament
The communication on the 2040 climate target[1] and its Impact Assessment confirm that all zero and low carbon solutions, including renewables and nuclear, are necessary to decarbonise the energy system by 2040.
A greater share of renewables in 2040 is thus necessary to meet our climate goals in the most cost-effective way, while enhancing energy independence and affordability.
During his hearing on 5 November 2024, the Commissioner for Energy and Housing set out his intention to propose a renewable energy target for 2040, which has been reflected in his Mission Letter[2].
The Commission will then work on this proposal with all the energy stakeholders and in close cooperation with all Member States, in view of supporting investor predictability, innovation and market growth for clean technologies.
As reaffirmed by the Commissioner for Energy and Housing[3], it is also important to ensure technology-neutrality when decarbonising our economy, in line with the Treaty.
As announced in the Affordable Energy Action Plan[4], the Commission will assess investment needs in an updated Nuclear Illustrative Programme and the possibility of streamlining permitting and licensing practices for the deployment of new nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
The European Industrial Alliance on SMRs was launched to facilitate the deployment of the first SMRs in the EU by early 2030s. The Commission will continue to support the work of the Alliance.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52024DC0063.
- [2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/1c203799-0137-482e-bd18-4f6813535986_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20JORGENSEN.pdf.
- [3] https://hearings.elections.europa.eu/documents/jorgensen/jorgensen_verbatimreporthearing-original.pdf.
- [4] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/action-plan-affordable-energy-unlocking-true-value-our-energy-union-secure-affordable-efficient-and_en.