RGI position on increased EU greenhouse gas emission targets

The Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) strongly supports an increase of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target as an important stepping-stone towards a 2050 climate neutrality goal.

The European Parliament has voted in favour of an increase in GHG emission reduction target to at least 60% by 2030, raising the bar on the Commission’s proposal of 55%. We encourage all parties involved in the next steps of the negotiations to adopt a collaborative and constructive approach. A significantly strengthened target is vital in order to stand an economically and socially effective chance of becoming the “first net-zero continent” by 2050.

 Yet, GHG reduction targets alone will not take us to climate neutrality. The power sector must drastically reduce its carbon pollution by 2030 through adequate support to the needed development and deployment of variable renewable energy, efficiency measures, the enabling infrastructure and a variety of system services. 

Thus, RGI calls on the EU and governments to:

a) develop a series of comprehensive legal packages, such as specific sectoral policies, standards, finance support and market mechanisms, and regulations

b) remove the corresponding existing barriers

c) apply the ‘do no harm’ principle.

Furthermore, the development of electricity grids with maximum consideration for nature protection is central to enable the integration of rapidly growing renewable energy sources. Equally, the active participation of civil society and citizens is paramount to a sustainable and just transition.

Read our full statement below. In case of any questions, please get in touch with cristina@renewables-grid.eu

Contact

Cristina Simioli
Director - Offshore Energy and Nature

Load more
t: +49 30 2332 11023
cristina[at]renewables-grid.eu

RGI gratefully acknowledges the EU LIFE funding support:

EU LIFE funding support Logo

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the LIFE Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.