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The European Commission has released four guidance documents to aid EU countries in transposing and implementing the updated directives on renewable energy and energy efficiency into their national laws. This initiative, part of the ‘Accele-RES’ program, aims to clarify complex elements of the new legislation, providing a uniform basis for all EU countries to incorporate these requirements into their national frameworks. The newly adopted guidance focuses on three key areas of the Renewable Energy Directive where progress is needed: heating and cooling, energy system integration, and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs). Additionally, the Commission issued guidance on aspects of the revised Energy Efficiency Directive related to heating and cooling. Key Points of the New Guidance: Heating and Cooling: The guidance outlines the updated provisions to increase the share of renewable energy in heating and cooling, including district systems and industrial use. It also introduces new 2030 national benchmarks for renewable energy in buildings and explains how to apply the definition of waste heat. Energy System Integration: This section clarifies new requirements for electricity system operators to provide near real-time data on the renewable energy share and greenhouse gas emissions of supplied electricity. It also details obligations for battery and electric vehicle manufacturers, focusing on smart and bi-directional recharging, and participation in electricity markets by small, decentralized energy sources like electric vehicles, stationary batteries, and heat pumps. Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs): The guidance provides clarity on targets for RFNBO consumption in industry and transport, explaining how these targets are calculated and how they interact. Energy Efficiency: The guidance under the revised Energy Efficiency Directive helps EU countries identify efficient district heating and cooling systems, establish planning obligations for non-compliant systems, and ensure the efficient use of excess heat from large energy-consuming facilities such as industries and data centers.The revised Renewable Energy Directive sets a goal for the EU to achieve at least 42.5% renewable energy by 2030, with an aim to reach 45%. The directive also includes measures to expedite renewable energy projects and the use of renewables across various sectors. The Energy Efficiency Directive mandates an additional 11.7% reduction in energy consumption by 2030, compared to projections based on the 2020 reference scenario. Both directives have specific deadlines for EU countries to transpose the new rules into national law, with the Renewable Energy Directive deadline set for May 21, 2025, and the Energy Efficiency Directive by October 11, 2025. These guidance documents are part of ongoing efforts by the Commission to ensure the EU meets its ambitious energy and climate goals, promoting a transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy system across the continent. |
