Renewable energy communication published

On 6 June 2012, the European Commission published a communication entitled “Renewable energy: a major player in the European energy market”. This document outlines a series of policy options for the period beyond 2020, namely:

• To drive forward the integration of renewable energies into the internal energy market;
• Prepare guidance on best practices and experience gained on support schemes;
• Promote and guide the increased use of the cooperation mechanisms; and
• Ensure improvements to the regulatory framework for energy cooperation in the Mediterranean.

The Communication also states that the Commission will evaluate the effectiveness of current sustainability criteria by 2014 as required by the Renewable Energy Directive. In addition, the Commission will shortly produce reports and proposals to further develop the EU's sustainability framework. It will also investigate the most appropriate use of bioenergy after 2020 to ensure that is consistent with the EU energy and climate ambition to 2030, whilst fully taking into account environmental, social and economic considerations. CEMBUREAU has always advocated that sustainability criteria should not be applied to biomass waste.

More information:

Commission Communication

Impact Assessment