Euractiv reported that the European Commission formally proposed the "REPowerEU" plan last Wednesday (the 18th), which will invest €300 billion (approximately NT$9.5 trillion) to achieve the goals of ending energy imports from Russia by 2027 and accelerating the energy transition. However, the Commission also acknowledged that replacing Russian oil and gas would require short-term EU investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure, a move that drew criticism from environmental groups.
Focus on renewable energy: Increase power generation by 5%; mandate solar panels for new homes
The REPowerEU plan consists of three main components: energy conservation, promoting renewable energy, and diversifying Europe's oil and gas supplies. Specific proposals include increasing the EU's target for renewable energy generation by 2030 from 40% proposed last year to 45%; and raising the energy efficiency target from a 9% reduction in energy consumption by 2030 (based on a 2020 baseline) to a 13% reduction.
In addition, REPowerEU has proposed that solar panels must be installed on public buildings and new homes by 2025 and 2029 respectively.
A senior EU official said that under the plan, the EU's use of Russian natural gas will initially be reduced by two-thirds by the end of 2022. Subsequently, as building renewable energy production capacity takes time, the EU will gradually and linearly reduce its use further.
According to the European Commission's proposal, the rapid and large-scale deployment of renewable energy, especially solar energy, is at the heart of REPowerEU. To speed up deployment, the European Commission wants to simplify the licensing process, classify new wind and solar projects as "high priority public interest" and designate "preferred" areas at the national level in areas with low environmental risks.
EU to sign procurement contracts with US, Canada, and other countries to diversify oil and gas supply
The EU has also proposed signing new fossil fuel procurement agreements in the short term to diversify Europe's oil and gas supplies to replace Russian fossil fuels. This includes reaching liquefied natural gas agreements with the United States, Canada, and other countries, and establishing a joint procurement platform for countries that wish to participate.
Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/234148)
