The European Union (EU) has shown a continuous commitment to the energy transition, seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of renewable energy sources. In this context, the directive (EU) 2018/2001, known as Red II, established ambitious goals for 2030. Posteriorly, the directive (EU) 2023/2413, you RED III, It was adopted to reinforce and update these goals, aligning them with the objectives of the European Ecological Pact and the European Climate Law.
1. Renewable Energy Goals
RED II set a binding goal of, at least, 32% energy from renewable sources in the Gross Energy Final Consumption of EU until 2030. This goal was considered a significant advance at the time, reflecting the commitment of the EU with energy sustainability.
With the adoption of Red III, This goal was increased to 42,5%, with an additional indicative objective to achieve 45%. This elevation reflects the need to accelerate the energy transition in the face of recent climate and geopolitical challenges, as the energy crisis resulting from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
2. Application sectors
Both directives cover the electricity sectors, Heating and Cooling, and transport. Nonetheless, Red III introduces more specific goals for each sector:
- Transport: Red III states that, until 2030, at least 29% energy used in the transport sector should come from renewable sources.
- Heating and Cooling: The new directive introduces annual goals for increasing the participation of renewable energy in this sector, promoting the use of technologies such as heat pumps and thermal solar systems.
3. Sustainability and use of biomass
RED II already established sustainability criteria for biofuels, Bioliquids and Biomass Fuels. Red III reinforces these criteria, especially with regard to the use of forest biomass. The new directive emphasizes the application of the principle of biomass waterfall use, prioritizing uses that provide higher added value before conversion to energy.
4. Administrative Procedures and Licensing
RED III introduces measures to simplify and accelerate renewable energy project licensing procedures. This includes maximum deadlines for project approval and designation of “acceleration zones” where licensing processes are more agile. These measures aim to remove administrative barriers and encourage investments in the sector.
5. Integration with other EU policies
RED III is more aligned with other EU political initiatives, like the European climate law, that establishes the goal of climate neutrality until 2050. The new directive also considers the objectives of the zero pollution action plan and the EU biodiversity strategy, promoting an integrated approach to environmental sustainability.
6. Impact on the Member States
The transposition of RED III to national legislation will require significant efforts by Member States. For example, Portugal began the partial transposition of the directive through Decree-Law No. 99/2024, that changes the regulatory framework applicable to renewable energy.
7. Changes in greenhouse gases and gases inventory (GEE)
RED III introduces significant changes in the way Member States account for and report greenhouse gas emissions (GEE). These changes aim to improve the accuracy and transparency of national emissions inventories, aligning them with the climate goals of the EU.
Among the main changes are:
- Standardization of calculation methods: RED III establishes methods harmonized for the calculation of GHG emissions associated with the production and use of energy, facilitating comparability between the member states.
- Integration of new data sources: The directive encourages the use of advanced technologies, as remote sensors and real -time monitoring systems, To improve the collection of data on emissions.
- REVIEW OF SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA: Biofuels and biomass criteria have been updated to ensure that only truly sustainable sources are considered in the emission count.
These changes have direct implications for the Member States, that will need to update their emission monitoring and reporting systems, as well as for companies in the energy sector, that should adapt their processes to meet the new requirements.
Conclusion The evolution of the directive (EU) 2018/2001 for the Directive (EU) 2023/2413 represents a strengthening of EU policies in relation to renewable energies. The most ambitious goals and additional measures introduced by RED III reflect the urgency of facing climate change and promoting a fair and sustainable energy transition. The effective implementation of these directives will be crucial to the success of the EU's climate goals and the strengthening of their global leadership in the fight against climate change.
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