Portugal joins push for EU 2040 renewables target

Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have asked the European Commission to set a new European Union target for renewable energy use in 2040, as Brussels prepares its post-2030 energy framework. The move matters for investors and energy companies because it could shape the bloc’s long-term policy direction and support for clean power.

According to statements made by Spanish Energy Minister Sara Aagesen before a meeting of EU energy ministers in Dublin, the three countries sent a letter on Monday to Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen calling for “a clear” 2040 goal that is both ambitious and realistic for renewables. Aagesen said the EU should “continue to back renewables” to give investors certainty and help Europe become more resilient and energy autonomous.

The EU is currently debating whether to adopt a specific 2040 target for renewables or a broader “clean energy” goal that would also include nuclear power. The bloc’s current objective is for renewables to account for at least 42.5% of energy consumption by 2030, although EU legislation sets an ambition of reaching 45%.

The discussion comes as the European Commission works on a new framework for the period after 2030, following a public consultation launched in March. That framework is expected to help define EU energy policy for the next decade and contribute to meeting the bloc’s 2040 climate target.

Originally published at Eco.pt