Energy transition is a global process in which almost all countries of the world participate. The goal is to build a sustainable and secure energy system that can respond to the growing demand for energy, while reducing the negative impact on the environment. Although each country adjusts its approach according to its own capabilities, Europe has set itself an even more comprehensive and ambitious goal of becoming the first climate-neutral continent in the world. Clean energy is precisely the red thread in achieving this kind of transition, considering that energy accounts for about 75 percent of the total emission of greenhouse gases in the European Union.
The transformation of the energy sector has led to the development of important policies that regulate numerous areas. From the transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon and renewable energy, through the improvement of energy efficiency in industry and buildings, energy labeling of products, electromobility, to the introduction of smart meters, integration and digitization of the energy market.
Among the most important policies of the European Union in the field of energy and climate transition, the European Green Deal, the “Fit for 55” package and the REPowerEU Plan stand out.
The European Green Deal
In 2019, the European Commission adopted a long-term vision called the “European Green Deal”, which referred to the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050. It laid the foundations for all subsequent policies and legislative initiatives related to sustainable energy development and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the “European Green Deal”, the first European Climate Law was adopted in 2021, setting the goal of making the European economy and society climate neutral by 2050, as well as the intermediate goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions. gardens by at least 55 percent in 2030 compared to 1990. The goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 has become legally binding with this law. It prescribes that the institutions of the European Union and the member states have the duty to take the necessary measures at the level of the union, as well as at the national level, in order to fulfill the goal. It is especially emphasized that it is necessary to take into account the importance of promoting fairness and solidarity among member states.
The European climate law also includes measures to monitor progress and adjust actions accordingly, based on certain existing systems. An example is the Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union, which should help the European Union achieve its climate and energy goals, setting common rules for planning, reporting and monitoring. It should ensure that planning and reporting are in line with the goals and ambition cycles defined in the Paris Agreement. The so-called NECP can be cited as another example, and represents the ten-year national energy and climate plans of the countries of the European Union. Within them, the member states outline how they will address the topics of decarbonization, energy efficiency, energy security, the internal energy market and research, innovation and competitiveness.
In February 2024, the European Commission recommended that an additional intermediate goal be included in the European Climate Law, namely 90 percent less emissions by 2040, but the legislative proposal for this recommendation is still awaited. It should be added that the European Green Deal places people at the heart of the transition, which is why we strive to make the transition fair, especially paying attention to those who are vulnerable in a clean transition and who are most affected by the consequences of climate change. This includes significant investments through funds and other financial instruments. As an example, the Just Transition Fund, which supports workers and regions in developing new skills and progress in the green economy, and the Social Climate Fund, which is intended to support vulnerable groups for investments in energy efficiency or energy rehabilitation of buildings, clean heating, integration of renewable energy and others.
IN FOCUS:
„Fit for 55“ paket
While the European Green Deal is the long-term vision of the European Union to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the “Fit for 55” Package presents concrete legislative proposals to make the vision a reality. This package was introduced in 2021, and its name also refers to the main goal it sets, which is to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. It includes the revision of several important directives in the area of achieving the climate goals of the European Union. It is about the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the Directive on energy taxation (Eng. Energy Taxation Directive) and the Gas and Hydrogen Package (Eng. Gas and Hydrogen Package). The revisions relate to the alignment of existing legal frameworks with the goal set by the “Fit for 55” package.
The “Fit for 55” package includes a number of areas that need to be improved. Through this Package, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) becomes more ambitious in several ways, one of which is the extension to emissions from maritime transport.
In order to achieve the main goal set by the “Fit for 55” Package, it sets numerous additional goals. The first goal is the transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon and renewable energy sources. The reform of the EU Emissions Trading System is the next goal and includes the introduction of stricter rules, as well as their extension to additional sectors. These goals include the reduction of emissions in sectors such as transport, buildings, agriculture and waste, and also include emissions in the land use and forestry sectors. Speaking of specific emissions, special attention is focused on methane reduction. As another example of additional goals, the establishment of funds that provide financial support in the process of transition to a green economy can be cited.
Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac
Read the full text in To the magazine of the Energy Portal, ENERGY TRANSITION
Source: energetskiportal.rs
