Investment in the renewables sector can provide major benefits in terms of the competitiveness of EU industry, as well as providing a major boost for jobs and growth, according to a new two-part study published today by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy. Highlighting the significant economic contribution that renewables are already providing, the study identifies a number of potential solutions to bottlenecks and administrative hurdles that would provide an even greater boost to certain sectors.
The first part of the study focuses on the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies within the heating and cooling industry. It estimates that the four main renewable heating and cooling solutions (biomass, biogas, heat pumps and solar-thermal segments) already account for more than 650 000 full-time jobs and accrued a combined turnover of EUR 67.2 billion in 2017 – that’s close to half of those working in renewable energy sector in the EU (1.4 million) and equivalent to 43% of the overall renewables turnover (EUR 155 billion in 2017). Nevertheless, the study also finds that there are significant barriers to achieving full industrial competitiveness. To address this it recommends creating a European heating and cooling market where carbon prices are internalised, thereby providing a level playing field and increasing the competitiveness of renewables-based alternatives compared to fossil-based solutions. The study also suggests removing the current bias towards fossil-fuel solutions, for example by upgrading the skills and awareness on the side of installers and technology buyers and streamlining technical requirements, certification, standardisation and licensing requirements in Europe to open up local markets.
The second part of the study examines the competitiveness of corporate sourcing of renewables, which saw significant growth in 2018. The results show that corporate sourcing of renewables improves the competitive advantage of European companies, but that they face a number of barriers when trying to source renewables This assessment shows that if EU-based industrial and commercial companies committed to source renewable electricity to meet 30% of their total demand of electricity by 2030, then the EU renewable energy sector would generate more than €750 billion in gross added value and over 220,000 new jobs.
By looking at the 2030 renewable heating and cooling targets for every Member State, the study also provides important input for the development of the National Energy & Climate Plans (NECPs) that Member States have to finalise before the end of 2019, recalling that only 16 Member States have included 2030 renewables heating and cooling targets in their draft NECPs submitted earlier this year. The report also includes an analysis of the barriers to corporate sourcing of renewables in 10 EU Member States, and provides suggestions to facilitate the use of Power Purchase Agreements.
Editor:Cherie
