Promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources

SUMMARY OF:

Directive 2009/28/EC — promoting the use of energy from renewable sources

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THIS DIRECTIVE?

This directive, which amends and repeals earlier Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC, creates a common set of rules for the use of renewable energy in the EU so as to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote cleaner transport.
It sets national binding targets for all EU countries with the overall aim of making renewable energy sources account by 2020 for 20% of EU energy and for 10% of energy specifically in the transport sector (both measured in terms of gross final energy consumption, i.e. total energy consumed from all sources, including renewables).

KEY POINTS

Each EU country is to make a national action plan for 2020, setting out how to achieve the national target for renewables in gross final energy consumption as well as the 10% target for renewable energy sources in transport.
To help achieve targets in a cost-effective way, EU countries can exchange energy from renewable sources*. To count towards their action plans, EU countries can also receive renewable energy from countries outside the EU, provided that energy is consumed in the EU and that it is produced by modern/efficient installations.
Each EU country must be able to guarantee the origin of electricity, heating and cooling produced from renewable energy sources.
EU countries should build the necessary infrastructure for using renewable energy sources in the transport sector.

Directive (EU) 2015/1513 amends Directives 2009/28/EC and 98/70/EC, the EU’s law on the quality of petrol and diesel fuels. Among other things, it aims to start the transition from conventional* (first-generation) biofuels to advanced* (second-generation) biofuels that deliver substantial GHG savings. It introduces a 7% cap on conventional biofuels to count towards the renewable energy directive targets for final energy consumption in transport by 2020.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?

It has applied since 25 June 2009. EU countries had to incorporate it into national law by 5 December 2010.

BACKGROUND

This directive implements one of the 20-20-20 targets from the EU’s 2020 climate and energy package. The other two targets are to:
- reduce GHG emissions by 20% from 1990 levels; and
- improve energy efficiency by 20%.

For more information, see:

‘Renewable energy’ on the European Commission's website.

* KEY TERMS

Energy from renewable sources: energy from non-fossil sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, biomass and sewage treatment plant gas (e.g. methane).

Conventional biofuels: made from food crops, such as sugar, starch and vegetable oils. They are produced from land using feedstock, which can also be used for food and feed.

Advanced biofuels: made from sources that do not compete directly with food and feed crops, such as wastes and agricultural residues.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC (OJ L 140, 5.6.2009, pp. 16-62)

Successive amendments and corrections to Directive 2009/28/EC have been incorporated in the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.