Orgalime Response on the consultation on the preparation of a new Renewable Energy Directive for the period after 2020

Orgalime   supports   to   further   develop   Renewable   Energy   Sources   as   one   key   factor   of   an   EU decarbonisation  policy,  including  in  the  light  of  the  successful  COP 21  process  for  which  we  congratulate the Commission.

The transition period towards a secure, sustainable and competitive energy system in the EU with an ever higher share of renewable energy sources (RES) nevertheless needs to be managed carefully.  It  would in our view be smoother and most successful if it went  hand  in hand  with strong energy  efficiency measures and  strong,  smart,  flexible  distribution  grids.  To  implement  its  2030  energy  and  climate  targets, Europe needs the  infrastructure, which  will be able to cope  with an increased share of RES  and energy  efficiency technologies.

Incentives need to take into account in the triangle of the three no regret options “RES - Energy Efficiency - flexible distribution grids”. Pursuing a consistent economic approach is essential and there needs to be an end to “stop and go” policies.

RES need to become economically  and environmentally sustainable  by  themselves. The empowerment of consumers  and  promotion  of  all  sources  of  flexibility  will  be  essential  in  a  modernised  EU  energy  system with ever more RES.

Furthermore,   technology   neutrality   and   more   regional   cooperation   as   a   basis   for   more   European harmonisation will make the transition more cost efficient. 

We ask that regulators should strive for consistency of carbon abatement costs and should focus on making sure that Europe builds an industry with the best impact on jobs and growth in Europe.