Energy and the Green Deal

A clean energy transition

The production and use of energy account for more than 75% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising the EU’s energy system is therefore critical to reach our 2030 climate objectives and the EU’s long-term strategy of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The European Green Deal focuses on 3 key principles for the clean energy transition, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the quality of life of our citizens:

ensuring a secure and affordable EU energy supply
developing a fully integrated, interconnected and digitalised EU energy market
prioritising energy efficiency, improving the energy performance of our buildings and developing a power sector based largely on renewable sources

The Commission’s main objectives to achieve this are:

build interconnected energy systems and better integrated grids to support renewable energy sources
promote innovative technologies and modern infrastructure
boost energy efficiency and eco-design of products
decarbonise the gas sector and promote smart integration across sectors
empower consumers and help EU countries to tackle energy poverty
promote EU energy standards and technologies at global level
develop the full potential of Europe’s offshore wind energy

The European Commission adopted a set of proposals to make the EU's climate, energy, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. More information on Delivering the European Green Deal.

In the spotlight

National energy and climate plans

To meet the EU’s energy and climate targets for 2030, EU countries need to establish a 10-year integrated national energy and climate plan (NECP) for the period from 2021 to 2030. The national plans outline how the EU countries intend to address five areas: energy efficiency, renewables, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, interconnections, and research and innovation.

National energy and climate plans