Natural Gas Daily Europe Policy & Regulation

Lack of binding EU targets clouds energy transition

By Andreas Walstad 28 November 2016
An MVM gas-fired power plant in Hungary. Renewables have been prioritised over conventional generation. (MVM)

The absence of legally binding EU targets for renewables and energy efficiency beyond 2020 risks slowing member states' transitions to low-carbon economies and sends out mixed signals on the future role of gas.

Only one of three EU energy and climate targets for 2030 is legally binding at a national level – the 40% carbon dioxide emissions reduction target. The 27% renewables target is binding at the EU level but is not broken down into national targets, meaning member states are unlikely to be held legally responsible if the target is not met.

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