Why the EU energy policy for energy independence matters

In this interview, Pierre Schellekens, Director for Energy Policy: Strategy and Coordination at the Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, discusses how the REPowerEU plan has significantly impacted the EU’s clean energy transition and energy independence. He also explains how the revised National Energy and Climate Plans will serve as a practical coordination tool for EU energy policy.

Impact of the REPowerEU Plan on Security of Supply in Europe: Since its presentation in May 2022, the REPowerEU plan has sparked a genuine evolution in the energy policy debate. Previously, the energy transition and security of supply were often seen as contradictory rather than complementary. The prevailing argument was that while we should focus on transitioning to renewable energy sources, fossil fuels were still necessary to ensure supply security.

However, a fundamental shift has occurred: our energy transition policy now aligns with the security of supply. It encompasses more than just climate objectives; it is the path toward true energy independence for Europe. By accelerating this transition and diversifying energy supplies, REPowerEU has changed the political mindset.

Constraints in Replacing Fossil Fuel Imports: While significant progress has been made in power generation, challenges persist in areas such as energy use and transportation. Nevertheless, there are encouraging signs. For instance, by the end of last year, over 20% of all newly registered cars in Europe were electric! This figure underscores the growing adoption of renewable energy.

During the EU Sustainable Energy Week, the Ukrainian deputy minister of energy emphasized that renewables are synonymous with energy independence—a powerful message. REPowerEU has not only accelerated the transition but also strengthened our autonomy.

EU Support for Reducing Gas Dependence: The EU actively supports investments to reduce dependence on gas. Investments in renewables and energy efficiency have been eligible for EU funds for at least two decades, if not longer.

Developing renewable energy sources is crucial for achieving the EU’s ambitious goal of climate neutrality by 2050. By increasing renewable energy, we can significantly reduce emissions from the power sector and enhance our resilience against disruptions that impact energy prices.

You can read the full article here for more details on the EU energy policy for energy independence.