WindEurope has called on EU energy ministers to agree on a binding renewable energy target for 2040 ahead of policy discussions on 26 June. The organisation warns that without a clear post-2030 framework, investment momentum in Europe’s renewable energy sector could slow, despite recent growth in wind and solar deployment.
WindEurope notes that the EU’s 2030 renewable energy target has supported increased deployment, reduced exposure to fossil fuel price volatility and driven investment in manufacturing capacity across the region.
According to the organisation, wind energy currently supplies around 20% of Europe’s electricity and supports more than 440,000 jobs across over 250 factories. It also highlights more than €15bn in investment in new and upgraded manufacturing facilities over the past three years.
WindEurope adds that long-term policy certainty is needed to sustain this industrial base, alongside stronger governance measures including national energy plans, technology-specific auctions, faster permitting processes, repowering rules and renewable power purchase agreements.
EU energy ministers are due to discuss the policy framework on 26 June.
