The Renewable Energy Directive (RED II)

The Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) is a piece of European Union legislation aimed at promoting the use of energy from renewable sources. It is part of the EU’s broader efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. RED II builds upon the original Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and sets more ambitious targets for renewable energy use within the EU. Key aspects of RED II include:

⦿ Binding Renewable Energy Targets: RED II sets a binding target for the EU to achieve a renewable energy share of at least 32% of final energy consumption by 2030. This target applies to the EU as a whole, with individual member states having their own specific targets based on their respective starting points and potential for renewable energy development.
⦿ Sustainability Criteria: RED II includes sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids to ensure that they are produced in an environmentally sustainable manner, without causing harm to biodiversity or food production. This includes requirements related to greenhouse gas emissions savings and land use.
⦿ Support Schemes: Member states are required to implement support schemes to incentivise the production and consumption of renewable energy, such as feed-in tariffs, premiums, or auctions. These schemes should be designed to minimise market distortions and ensure cost-effectiveness.
⦿ Electricity Market Design: RED II aims to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the electricity market by promoting measures such as priority dispatch and priority access for renewable energy sources. This helps to ensure a level playing field for renewable energy technologies and encourages their uptake.
⦿ Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs): RED II establishes a system of Guarantees of Origin (GOs) for renewable electricity, providing transparency and traceability to consumers regarding the source of their energy. This helps to promote renewable energy and enable consumers to make informed choices.

RED II represents a noteworthy step forward in the EU’s efforts to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix and transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.