Raised To 45%! EU Adjusts Its 'Photovoltaic Strategy' Targets
May 23, 2022
The European PV industry has ushered in a new dawn as the European Commission has significantly raised its target of installing PV systems by 2030. This is a recognition of the central role that PV systems play in achieving European security, economic and climate goals. The European Union's recently released 2030 renewable energy draft has raised the target from 40% to 45%.
The European Commission recently launched a landmark EU photovoltaic strategy. Taking into account the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and its consequences for energy security, as well as record energy prices, the strategy was released several months earlier than originally scheduled for the summer.
"We have increased the EU renewable energy target for 2030 from 40% to 45%," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the strategy briefing.
This unprecedented EU PV strategy sets a target for EU PV developers to install a cumulative 592GW of PV systems by 2030. This is 41% higher than the original "Fit for 55" plan (420GW).
Europe is raising its PV deployment targets, and a new proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive has led the European Commission to raise its renewable energy development targets in general.
The European Commission recently launched a landmark EU photovoltaic strategy. Taking into account the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and its consequences for energy security, as well as record energy prices, the strategy was released several months earlier than originally scheduled for the summer.
"We have increased the EU renewable energy target for 2030 from 40% to 45%," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the strategy briefing.
Walburga Shemetsberger, CEO of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, said: "Today is a turning point for EU photovoltaics, European energy security and European climate commitments. The EU photovoltaic strategy includes key initiatives of the European Commission, which are in line with our submission of 'Photovoltaic EU Energy Independence 8' Actions' proposals are consistent with the content."
Even conservative estimates suggest that rooftop PV systems installed in Europe could meet around 25% of the EU's electricity needs. This potential is harnessed by the new EU Photovoltaic Roofs Initiative, which requires all new residential buildings and all commercial and public buildings in EU member states to have rooftop PV installed by 2029. These measures will be incorporated into the Building Energy Performance Directive.
The initiative takes into account the role of PV systems as an important tool in addressing energy poverty and rising energy prices, noting that vulnerable customers should be guaranteed access to electricity from PV systems through social housing, energy communities or financial support.
The EU PV Strategy recognises the current shortage of skilled workers and proposes a partnership to bring together training and local stakeholders to build large-scale partnerships. Such partnerships can include private and local investments. The proposals are part of the EU Skills Pact, which aims to bring together personnel training and PV stakeholders in a large-scale skills partnership.
Dries Acke, policy director of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, said: "Rooftop PV systems provide quick solutions to the three problems facing Europe: energy security, poverty and climate emergency. The EU PV Skills Partnership will provide the workforce."
The EU Photovoltaic Industry Alliance was established to this end after EU Energy Commissioner Simson pledged to do everything possible to rebuild the European photovoltaic manufacturing industry. The consortium builds on the work done by the European PV Initiative and supports its goal of achieving 20GW of PV manufacturing capacity by 2025.
Naomi Chevillard, head of regulatory affairs at the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, said: "A strong European manufacturing base is essential for the sustainability of the renewable energy transition. This will also increase the EU's GDP."
