Friends of Renewables Communiqué: Continuing on the right path to climate neutrality

To achieve the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050, Member States must make significant efforts to meet the ambitious 2030 targets outlined in the European Green Deal and REPowerEU. While supporting Member States in implementing current goals, it is equally vital for the next European Commission to establish a credible and long-term policy framework for the energy sector beyond 2030. A revision of the Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) could provide this framework, offering clear and stable investment conditions that will drive European competitiveness and help businesses align with the EU’s energy and climate goals.

Electrification, as a key driver of both economic growth and progress towards climate neutrality, must be paired with the rapid expansion and integration of renewable energy. To achieve this, we need significant investments in grid development, energy storage, and flexibility measures. These will not only ensure the affordability and security of Europe’s energy supply but will also enhance our competitiveness. Moreover, reducing external dependencies on energy and raw materials by forging alliances with reliable partners is essential for long-term energy security.

As the pace of the renewable energy transition accelerates, the next Commission must address barriers to renewable deployment. This includes proposing legislation to speed up permitting processes for renewable projects and infrastructure. Managing the integration of higher shares of renewable energy will also require efficient handling of volatile production and creating the right incentives—such as state support and tariffs—for both grids and renewable energy sources.

For hard-to-decarbonize sectors, hydrogen will play a crucial role in the transition. The next Commission should establish an enabling framework for the hydrogen economy, incentivize infrastructure development, boost production, and build strategic partnerships with third countries.

Finally, scaling up sustainable financing is critical. The EU must leverage private capital to fund renewable energy, electricity grids, and infrastructure. Innovative solutions like a voluntary EU Green Loan Standard could drive investments in renewables and energy efficiency. In addition, future EU budgets must ensure adequate funding for renewables and grid infrastructure, particularly through mechanisms like the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the EU Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism (REFM).

Friends of Renewables Communiqué (PDF, 422 KB)